Carrie Fisher’s tragic death brought to attention the seriousness of in-flight medical emergencies. The Star Wars fan had suffered a heart attack after an 11-hour long flight from London to Los Angeles, Conde Nast Traveler reports. While airplane staff is equipped with the basics of emergency care, if your loved one is sick or infirm, hiring a certified flight registered nurse is an option you can consider.
What does a flight nurse do?
If your loved one requires medication, a flight nurse with the proper certification can administer any drugs or emergency medicine needed during the flight. They usually provide care to patients who might suffer from a medical emergency—like succumbing to a heart attack—in mid-air. They typically accompany patients who might already be undergoing a medical emergency or just need to be transported from one hospital to another.
What to look for?
If you need a certified flight registered nurse, you want to find someone with the right qualities. Qualifications and credentials count so you’ll want to ask about their experience in the field. When that’s one established, then look for someone whose detail-oriented. They should have an eagle-eye out for possible symptoms or signs that the patient might be in some form of medical distress. Since in-flight emergencies require quick action, they must have the ability to think fast on their feet and respond quickly and efficiently to address a medical emergency.
How to hire one?
Referrals and recommendations can help a lot. However, don’t forget to do your own research. Going online can net you plenty of options. Filter through those choices to help you find the right one for your loved one’s needs.
With the support and assistance of a trained flight nurse, traveling with your loved one or moving them from one healthcare facility to another is a lot easier.