Global Study Highlights Frequency and Impact of In-Flight Medical Emergencies

With nearly 5 billion passengers flying annually, medical emergencies onboard are more common than many realize and can sometimes be life-threatening. A comprehensive study led by researchers from Duke University analyzed over 77,000 in-flight medical incidents reported to the world's busiest airline medical support centers. The findings reveal that approximately one in every 212 flights encounters a medical emergency. While the majority of cases are minor, a significant number of passengers require hospital care after landing, and some incidents result in aircraft diversions or fatalities.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, was conducted in collaboration with MedAire, an aviation safety company that supplied the data for analysis. It offers valuable insights into how airlines handle medical crises and why certain flights are diverted. Key reasons for diversion included suspected strokes, seizures, chest pain, and altered mental status. Cardiac arrests occurred in 293 cases, with survival rates noticeably lower than those on land.

Medical volunteers, often physicians on board, assisted in nearly one-third of the emergencies. Their involvement was associated with a higher probability of aircraft diversion, typically due to more severe conditions. Dr. Alexandre Rotta of Duke emphasized the unique challenges faced when providing medical care in the air — limited equipment, no laboratory support, and no backup. Despite regulations requiring defibrillators and medical kits on U.S. flights, not all airlines have access to ground-based medical consultation, which could improve outcomes.

The research underscores the importance of preparedness, crew training, and ground support for managing in-flight health crises. The findings may influence airline policies, improve emergency response strategies, and help passengers with chronic conditions better prepare for air travel.

This study is considered the most extensive and detailed analysis of in-flight medical emergencies to date, offering crucial insights for the aviation and healthcare industries.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-global-analysis-reveals-frequency-flight.html