Okuzeka
Aviation vocabulary · Emergencies & Abnormal Situations

Medical emergency

Meaning in aviation, with examples

nounCore term

In aviation, medical emergency means: A sudden, serious health problem on board, such as a heart problem, breathing difficulty or loss of consciousness, that needs urgent care.

In Turkish: tıbbi acil durum

How it is used

Cabin crew give first aid, ask 'Is there a doctor on board?' and use the medical kit and the defibrillator (AED). The captain may get advice from a ground medical service and may decide to divert. On the radio it may be reported with a pan-pan call.

Example sentences

  1. We have a medical emergency in row 23; is there a doctor on board?

  2. Because of a medical emergency, we are diverting to the nearest suitable airport.

Common collocations

  • in-flight medical emergency
  • deal with a medical emergency
  • medical kit
  • ground medical support
  • divertTo fly to a different airport from the planned destination, for example because of bad weather, a medical emergency or a technical problem.
  • pan-panThe international radio urgency call, used when there is a problem that affects safety but does not need immediate help. It is said three times.
  • cabin crewThe team of trained staff who look after the safety and comfort of passengers in the cabin during a flight.
  • purserThe senior cabin crew member who leads the cabin team on a flight and is the main link between the cabin and the cockpit.

More terms: Emergencies & Abnormal Situations

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