Have you ever heard the announcement, “Is there a doctor on board?” during a flight?
It might sound rare, but medical emergencies in the air are more common than many people think.
According to a large international study published in JAMA Network Open in September 2025, there were about 77,000 medical events reported on commercial flights between 2022 and 2023.
What Happens When a Passenger Gets Sick on a Plane?
The research team from MedAire, a company that provides real-time medical support to over 100 airlines worldwide, analyzed every in-flight medical report received over two years.
Each event was documented through radio or satellite communication between flight crews and ground-based physicians.
They found that:
- There were 39 medical events per 1 million passengers.
- The median age of affected passengers was 43 years, and 54% were women.
- Two-thirds of incidents occurred on international flights.
In most cases, symptoms were mild and could be managed on board without changing the flight plan.
When Do Planes Divert?
About 1.7% of all cases (1,333 events) required an unscheduled landing due to medical emergencies.
The most frequent causes were:
- Neurologic disorders, such as suspected stroke (40%)
- Cardiovascular diseases, including acute heart problems (27%)
Passengers suspected of having a stroke were 20 times more likely to cause a flight diversion compared to other cases.
The Role of Volunteer Medical Professionals
Interestingly, one-third of all cases involved volunteer medical professionals who happened to be on board.
Among them, about 60% were physicians.
In severe events—those requiring diversion or resulting in death—around 80% had medical professionals assisting the crew.
Clearly, the familiar call for medical help in the cabin is not just a movie cliché—it saves lives.
Why This Study Matters
This research revealed that in-flight medical events are more frequent than previously reported.
For airlines, these findings highlight the importance of:
- Enhanced medical training for flight attendants
- Improved onboard emergency kits and AED availability
- Stronger coordination with ground-based medical teams
For passengers, especially those with chronic conditions, it’s a reminder to carry essential medications and stay hydrated during long flights.
Takeaway
Flying can put the human body under unexpected stress due to cabin pressure, low humidity, and limited mobility.
While most incidents are minor, serious emergencies do happen—and quick action from both the crew and volunteer medical professionals can make a life-saving difference.
If you’re ever that “doctor on board,” your calm and expertise might just bring a plane safely to the ground.
Reference
Alves PM, Kumar KR, Devlin J, et al. In-Flight Medical Events on Commercial Airline Flights. JAMA Network Open. 2025;8(9).
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