special subjects
Air Travel
Introduction
Appropriate planning reduces the risks associated with travel, including air travel. Prior to travel, patients and their medical providers should review planned itineraries and relevant medical histories, required Vaccinations , prophylactic measures against infections such as Air travel can cause or worsen certain medical problems; some are considered a contraindication to flight, and others may cause discomfort. Serious complications are rare, and a few simple precautions can reduce some of the more common issues. During a flight, any health care practitioner among the passengers may be asked to help fellow passengers who become ill. Additionally, most commercial aircraft carry first-aid equipment, including an automatic external cardioverter defibrillator and limited medical supplies. Airline personnel are receiving more first-aid training now than in the past. Although physicians aiding ill or injured passengers are usually protected from litigation by the Good Samaritan concept, they should avoid practicing beyond their training or expertise. Further information about air travel may be obtained from the medical department of major airlines, online travel information sources, or local travel clinics. 