App Can Help Crews Deal with In-flight Medical Issues

A new, free app designed for healthcare professionals to bridge their knowledge gap in in-flight emergency stabilization could assist business aircraft crews in dealing with in-flight medical issues. The app, airRx, is available for Android and iOS devices.

AirRx enables users to access 23 scenarios of the most common medical emergencies, with concise treatment algorithms and reference information to help evaluate and treat the patient. Notably, airRx does not require onboard Wi-Fi or internet connection.

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A study presented last week at the annual meeting of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine showed that physician performance and confidence improved during practice simulations of in-flight medical emergencies when using airRx for assistance. Those permitted to use the airRx app during the study achieved higher scores on the critical action checklist and on critical action timing for contacting ground support.

“AirRx provides a real-time checklist and quick-reference handbook to improve the way that emergent medical situations in the air are addressed,” said Dr. Raymond Bertino, airRx lead developer and clinical professor of radiology and surgery at University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria.