Patients who require emergency medical transport services often have complex and serious health conditions. Fortunately, the registered nurses who accompany these patients have the experience and skills to handle just about any medical crisis that might develop while in the air. Here are some in-flight medical emergencies that the flight nurse may need to manage while caring for your loved one.
Breathing Problems
If your loved one develops breathing problems while in the air, the nurse will need to determine the cause and quickly implement a treatment plan to help establish a normal pattern of breathing. Sometimes, breathing problems such as shortness of breath are the result of anxiety.
If the nurse determines that the patient is anxious, he or she will intervene appropriately. When anxiety is determined to be the reason for hyperventilation, the nurse will calm the patient by talking to him or her, administer oxygen therapy if necessary, and may administer an anti-anxiety medication to prevent the patient from becoming hypertensive.
If the individual is unable to swallow pills, the nurse will administer an anti-anxiety medication via injection or intravenously. If the patient has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the nurse can assist with nebulizer inhalation treatments, oxygen therapy, and positioning changes to help facilitate optimal breathing.
Aspiration
Stroke survivors and those with certain neurological disorders may be at risk for aspiration during an emergency medical transport. It can occur when the patient is eating, and because of swallowing deficits, the food may be inhaled into the lungs instead of going down the esophagus.
If the patient aspirates or chokes on food, the nurse will attempt to dislodge the piece of food by performing back blows or abdominal thrusts. This will usually clear the airway so that the patient’s breathing pattern can be reestablished.
If you have questions about how nurses manage in-flight emergencies, get in touch with Flying Nurses International LLC by going to our website