1. “Good Samaritan Acts” & Helping Out on Airplanes
Legal and ethical aspects

2. GMC guidance doctor have an ETHICAL duty to assist in an emergency
“in an emergency, WHERE EVER it may arise, you must offer anyone at risk the assistance you could reasonably be expected to provide” – Good medical practice
“Recognise and work within the limits of your professional competence” – good medical practice

3. LAW
Good Samaritan act exists in some countries and in the US there is an “aviation medical assistance act”
In France can go to jail for NOT offering assistance in good Samaritan situations!
No legislation in England and none planned so it remains an ETHICAL obligation with guidance from GMC…BUT no legal obligations

4. Medical Insurance
Some airlines provide indemnity for good Samaritan acts
MDU/MPS members insured for all good Samaritan acts in an emergency where they are a bystander (including USA + Canada)
Crew and captain ultimately responsible for health of passengers legally

5. Don’t Forget!! Confidentiality (in case of media interest!)
Keep a medical record of what happened
If consumed alcohol must make this clear when volunteering assistance

6. TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT
Basic first aid course
Training programme
Reviewed annually
Some airlines may have more advanced forms.
No standards or guidelines in place

7. TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT
Regulatory bodies - Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Aviation Medical Assistance Act of 1998
2 types of kits
Basic first aid kit
Medical kit
AED – Compulsory on american flights only, but others airlines do carry them

8. Telemedical services
Many airlines now use the services of telemedicine companies, e.g. Medlink Service, which provide immediate advice by satellite telephone or high frequency radio from doctors who are particularly knowledgeable of air borne conditions.
This service is used by around 90 airlines including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, BA, Cathay Pacific, Delta Airlines, Qantas Airways, Thomas Cook Airlines and Virgin Atlantic Airways