According to a 2018 publication in JAMA, in-flight medical emergencies are common and occur for every 604 flights. On average, there are 100,000 flights that take off and land everyday globally.

As someone who travels frequently, domestically and internationally, I have personally assisted in over a dozen medical emergencies on a plane. Why am I sharing this information you?

There have been lots of conversations over the years of what should be in a medical emergency kit on a plane and that includes legislative pushes to carry certain medications like an Epi Pen or Narcan.

Before you check your bag at the airport, the attendants remind us to take all medication needed out of the bag and keep them on your person. I have no life-threatening conditions that I take medications for, but I do occasionally get headaches, especially on long flights, so I always make sure I take my over-the-counter medication and keep it in my carryon.

However, there are individuals who travel with medical conditions such as the ones listed below and take medications, but they don’t bring it on the plane. This is the challenging part of providing care during a flight.

The price of an Epi Pen two-pack can range from $650-$700. A generic version can cost between $150-$400. This all depends on how much insurance will cover. I remember travelling with a friend who carries an Epi Pen on their person at all times, and the cost after insurance was $200!

My question for you all is: should it be mandatory for airlines to carry certain medications such as Epi Pens or Narcan on every plane? If yes, then how will it be regulated and how can we avoid waste and cost, and what about those that need it but can’t afford it?

#adventureswithnursejamla