In the Skies: The Unseen Heroes – Nurses on Airplanes
As a nurse, we’re trained to handle emergencies in various settings—from the controlled environment of a hospital to the unpredictable chaos of an accident scene. However, one of the most challenging and unique situations I’ve encountered happened not on the ground but 35,000 feet in the air.
Imagine this: you’re seated comfortably on a plane, finally taking a break from the demands of healthcare. The gentle hum of the aircraft and the anticipation of your destination are your only thoughts. Suddenly, the calm is interrupted by an urgent call over the intercom: “If there is a doctor or nurse on board, please identify yourself to the cabin crew immediately.”
Your heart skips a beat. You know that when that call goes out, it’s serious. It’s a moment where your training, instincts, and commitment to caring for others all converge.
Nurses are inherently prepared for emergencies, but in the confined, resource-limited space of an airplane, it’s a different ballgame. There’s no crash cart, no immediate backup team, and the nearest hospital is thousands of miles away. Yet, in those moments, something incredible happens—our training and experience kick in, and we do what we’ve always done: provide the best care possible, no matter the circumstances.
A husband and wife nurse team where travelling with their 2 small children when they heard such an announcement. The flight attendant stayed with their children. An elderly gentleman fell and hit his head on the side of the service cart and was unconscious and bleeding heavily.
Assessing the Situation
The first step is always assessment. You quickly gather information from the patient or those around them, checking for responsiveness, airway, breathing, and circulation. It’s the ABCs we’ve been drilled on from the beginning. You may not have a full set of vitals at your disposal, but you have your skills and intuition.
Improvising with Limited Resources
On an airplane, resources are scarce. There might be a basic first-aid kit, some oxygen, and an automated external defibrillator (AED), but that’s about it. This is where creativity comes in. Maybe you’ve used a piece of luggage as an elevated footrest for someone going into shock, or perhaps you’ve crafted a makeshift splint from a magazine. Whatever the situation, nurses are nothing if not resourceful. The husband and wife team had nothing to stop the bleeding. In retrospect, they could have used a diaper or sanitary napkin to improvise.
Teamwork in the Air
One of the most beautiful aspects of nursing is our ability to work as a team, even with people we’ve just met. On a plane, that team might consist of the flight attendants, fellow passengers, and possibly another healthcare professional. Clear communication and collaboration are vital. You might be directing someone to maintain an open airway or coordinating with the captain about the possibility of an emergency landing.
There is also a company called MedAire which provides inflight medical assistance to flight attendants by satellite phone.
Staying Calm Under Pressure
Perhaps the most crucial element of handling an in-flight emergency is staying calm. Your composure can be contagious, helping to soothe not only the patient but also the anxious passengers around you. In such a confined space, panic can spread quickly, but so can reassurance.
The Aftermath
Once the situation is under control, there’s a moment of reflection. As the plane resumes its course and you return to your seat, the adrenaline begins to wear off. You’re left with a sense of fulfillment, knowing that you’ve made a difference. It’s not about being a hero—it’s about being a nurse, always ready to help, no matter where you are.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
For all my fellow nurses out there, I encourage you to always be prepared for the unexpected. Keep your skills sharp, stay calm under pressure, and never underestimate the impact you can have—even in the most unlikely of places. And for everyone else, know that when you hear that call for help on a plane, there’s likely a nurse on board, ready to step up and do what we do best: care for those in need. Your license is protected as a good Samaritan.
Safe travels, and may we all find comfort in knowing that nurses are everywhere, even in the skies above.
