How can airports better prepare for medical emergencies?

3 Equip the facilities

The third step to prepare for medical emergencies is to equip the facilities and ensure that they are accessible, visible, and functional. This includes having adequate and well-stocked first aid kits, AEDs, oxygen tanks, stretchers, wheelchairs, and other medical supplies throughout the airport, especially in high-risk or high-traffic areas, such as check-in counters, boarding gates, or baggage claim. Moreover, airports should have designated medical rooms or clinics that are staffed by qualified medical professionals and equipped with advanced medical equipment, such as ECG machines, blood pressure monitors, or IV fluids. Furthermore, airports should have clear and consistent signage and announcements that direct passengers and staff to the nearest medical facility or emergency exit, as well as a reliable and integrated communication system that alerts and updates all relevant parties in case of a medical emergency.

4 Collaborate with partners

The fourth step to prepare for medical emergencies is to collaborate with partners and establish strong and smooth relationships with external stakeholders. This includes working closely with local hospitals, ambulance services, fire departments, police departments, and other emergency responders to ensure that they are familiar with the airport layout, protocols, and procedures, and that they can access and transport patients quickly and safely. Additionally, airports should coordinate with airlines, travel agencies, insurance companies, and consulates to facilitate the notification, documentation, and assistance of passengers and their families in case of a medical emergency. Furthermore, airports should seek feedback and input from their partners and conduct regular drills and simulations to test and improve their preparedness and performance.

5 Educate the passengers

The fifth step to prepare for medical emergencies is to educate the passengers and encourage them to take preventive and precautionary measures to reduce the risk of medical complications or accidents. This includes providing information and advice on the airport website, social media, or brochures about how to prepare for travel, such as checking their health status, packing their medications, wearing comfortable clothing, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol or caffeine. Moreover, airports should remind passengers to report any medical issues or concerns to the staff, seek medical attention if they feel unwell, and follow the instructions and guidelines of the airport and the emergency services in case of a medical emergency. Additionally, airports should promote a culture of care and compassion among passengers and staff, and encourage them to help and support each other in times of crisis.

6 Evaluate the outcomes

The sixth step to prepare for medical emergencies is to evaluate the outcomes and learn from the experiences and feedback of the staff, the passengers, and the partners. This includes collecting and analyzing data and statistics on the types, frequencies, and severities of medical emergencies that occur at the airport, as well as the response times, costs, and satisfaction levels of the medical services and facilities. Moreover, airports should conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups with the staff, the passengers, and the partners to gather their opinions, suggestions, and complaints about how the airport handled the medical emergencies and how it can improve its preparedness and performance. Furthermore, airports should use the results and insights from the evaluation to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of their medical emergency management, and to implement the necessary changes and improvements.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?