As flying becomes an increasingly common mode of transportation, there is a growing concern about the level of medical emergency preparedness on commercial flights. In particular, there are concerns about the life-threatening risks of an allergic reaction, which can occur without warning. Airlines are only required to carry a basic set of medical tools, including aspirin and cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices, but not auto-injectors, which can be life-saving for people who suffer anaphylactic shock.
A 2013 study found that dozens of medical emergencies occur on commercial flights each day in the US, but only some are life-threatening. The risk of an allergic reaction on a plane is higher among the more than 10 million Americans with a food allergy. For these passengers, the risk of exposure to an allergen without access to medical care can be terrifying.
Doctors and medical experts have joined the Aerospace Medical Association in calling for routine carriage of auto-injectors on commercial flights. These devices are small, portable and easy to use. They inject a pre-measured dose of epinephrine, which can quickly reduce symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. The devices are already widely used by emergency responders, and adding them to commercial airlines’ medical kits would not only provide better emergency care, but also give peace of mind to passengers with allergies.
While commercial airlines are legally allowed to include auto-injectors in their emergency medical kits, there is no federal requirement for them to do so. The Federal Aviation Administration only requires airlines to carry a basic set of medical tools, including a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. The list of required items has not been updated in almost two decades, and airlines are allowed to add additional items, leading to inconsistencies across carriers. As a result, many passengers may fly without access to life-saving medication in the event of an allergic reaction.
The Biden administration has taken steps to increase access to life-saving medications, including buprenorphine and methadone, for people struggling with opioid addiction. These medications have been shown to be effective in treating addiction, but complex and punitive federal regulations often restrict how they’re prescribed and dispensed. The proposed rule-change would eliminate waiting periods for access to methadone, expand telehealth options even further, and remove stigmatizing language from federal rules for opioid treatment programs.
Reducing blood pressure is another area where healthy lifestyle choices and medication can have a significant impact on health outcomes. According to healthcare experts interviewed by Time, key tips to reduce blood pressure include ensuring your diet includes low-fat dairy products, vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Daily salt intake should be limited to less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium, according to Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Regular exercise is also important for those with hypertension, with experts recommending 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, along with maintaining a healthy weight, cutting down on alcohol and not smoking.
However, while reducing blood pressure can be managed relatively easily for most people, the same cannot be said for the treatment of opioid addiction. Despite being a game-changer for people addicted to opioids, medications like buprenorphine and methadone are still severely limited because of restrictive regulations.
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In conclusion, while there are a range of health and insurance topics that impact Americans, the issue of epinephrine auto-injectors on commercial flights is urgent and deserves the attention of policy makers. With the number of people affected by allergies growing every day, it is essential that airlines take steps to ensure that passengers with allergies have access to the life-saving medication they need in the event of a medical emergency.
