Virgin's Blue

[Will T]

The carriage of a doctor's kit derives from an IOSA (IATA) Cabin Standard which recommends - but doesn't yet require - that aircraft with more than 100 seats, used for sectors longer than 2 hours, carry such a kit (QF/JQ: 'Physician's Kit').

[Isaac S]

Hi everyone, haven't posted since the old board, but you've brought me out with this one.

Doctors can and do respond in in flight medical emergencies, that is unless you are expecting a PhD in astrophysics to help you.

The issue about cover is a bit of a crock. The only doctor in Australia to be successfully sued in relation to a medical emergency was a doctor who *did not* respond. For the lawyers, the case was Lowns v Woods.

For mine, the Qantas medical kit is excellent, their support systems sound (Medlink) and crews well trained to deal with medical situations. Certainly can be a factor in airline choice for some doctors.

Of course, there will be situations that always require a diversion. But a good quality kit in good hands *might* save that. And airlines need to make those sorts of decisions on (all sorts of) commercial grounds.

Isaac

[Gareth U]

Originally Posted by Liam C

The physicians kit that QF has was significantly more comprehensive - the down side being that it could only be used by a medical doctor...

Cabin crew can access many non-drug items if a situation requires, and can access two drug items if specifically requested by the customer.