MedAire Strategically Adds/Deletes Kit Items

A good onboard medical kit is one that includes the specific supplies you will need when faced with an in-flight emergency. That?s why MedAire?s medical experts continuously review the contents of its Emergency Medical Kit and Aircraft First Aid Kits. Having too many kit items can be just as dangerous as having too few when it comes to quickly and easily locating contents.

?Each year, we review data about kit usage,? said Paulo M. Alves, M.D., and MedAire?s vice president of Medical Services. ?We look at which items are used to treat onboard ailments and how often refills of certain medications and supplies are requested. We also track emergency trends ? medical events happening from year to year, and on domestic versus international flights. Another important aspect of our review involves paying close attention to developments in the pharmaceutical industry ? carefully weighting the costs and benefits of newly released drugs.?

Another key component is staying abreast of the newest, most effective medications. Taking such measures ensures that crewmembers have access to the most appropriate treatment tools ? contents that are geared specifically to managing in-flight emergencies.

Beginning July 1, all newly purchased and refurbished Emergency Medical Kit and Aircraft First Aid Kits will include additional medications* and supplies:

• Ondansetron (Zofran®) ? this small, quick-dissolve tablet can be placed on the tongue, under the tongue or against the cheek to block one of the body's natural substances, serotonin, that causes nausea and vomiting.
• Cimetidine (Tagamet®) ? to be used for allergic reaction and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Phenazopyridine (Pyridium®) ? used to treat pain and discomfort associated with urinary tract and bladder infections
• Disposable Surgical Face Masks & N95 Filter masks ? for flight attendants/pilots/passengers to minimize contracting airborne illness
• Emergency Survival Blanket ? used to prevent hypothermia during exposure or shock, or used as shelter
• Prednisone ? a steroid for asthma/allergic reaction, poison ivy / oak
• Dental Emergency Kit ? for the treatment of common dental ailments
• Drinking water packets ? dual purpose packets that serve as eyewash and an emergency survival tool

Other contents include new antibiotics specifically for eyes/ears, staph infections and nausea, as well as over-the-counter treatments for diarrhea and congestion. Some items that were removed include eye pad gauze, various oxygen tubing connectors, sodium chloride, intravenous Dextrose, Promethazine tablets, safety scalpels and other contents used with less frequency.

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*Medications included only in kits with Rx options.