Most pediatric in-flight medical events are resolved during the flight, according to findings from an observational retrospective review published in Annals of Emergency Medicine. Although few of these lead to aircraft diversion, one in six requires additional care after the flight.

“This study is the first to describe the phenomenon of in-flight pediatric medical emergencies from a scientific, epidemiological perspective utilizing a large sample of cases,” Paulo Alves, MD, global medical director at MedAire, told Infectious Diseases in Children. “The research provides us the data to better evaluate the cost/benefit analysis for items to be included in aviation medical kits, ultimately helping regulators, the airlines and, above all, the traveling public.”