happy_go_lucky

I'm a medical doctor and when there's a medical emergency on a flight, I go and help (Last week: mini operation on 10'000m over the ocean). It's not that I mind or could do anything about it, but I'm always a tiny little bit on edge when I fly.

Is there any way I can get an upgrade or something?

It was really a tiny thing: A surgical wound on an abdomen (for which the guy had visited his doctor before the flight and had been given the all-clear) was infected and had to be opened and the abscess was drained. It was more ugly than dangerous although I was worried the patient would eventually suffer from sepsis. But he was a champ! And so was the airline crew. I bet their not used to see open wounds with lots of pus oozing out.

Most airlines have some sort of insurance which protects you from being sued if you act upon request of the patient and the crew (and of course within reason). The whole thing wasn't sterile to begin with so no need for too much worry. The infection had already taken place, was bad and needed to be drained. The guy had to undergo surgery once we landed. This is such a common procedure, if you have an abscess like that, there's really only one way to go.

We did have non-sterile gloves. The guy lied down on a blanket in the back of the airplane. We used whatever was there, mineral water, napkins and of course the medical material the crew had (which wasn't really that much).

If I check in my child's car seat, will it be safe? I can't take it with us into the airplane cabin and it's very important for it to not be damaged or else it won't provide the security I want for my child. So, will the car seat be handled with enough care so it won't break?

Thanks for doing this AMA!

Your thinkkng is pure logic and don't let anybody tell you otherwise!