Delta -- discrimination against a black female doctor inflight

[lsyorke]

I have little doubt that few providers would sit through an inflight emergency without volunteering to help due to fear of being sued, however, when one does volunteer, they need to be mindful of not taking on tasks in that emergency that are outside of their level of competence. That's what the LAW says.

We're not talking performing surgery here, we're talking ABC's of medicine that any physician can legally perform.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

We're not talking performing surgery here, we're talking ABC's of medicine that any physician can legally perform.

Why do medical and legal experts even mention it, then, if it's unimportant?

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

You'd think protecting someone's life would take precedence over protecting yourselves from a lawsuit. I guess not. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather get sued than be partially responsible for someone's death.

I'm with you, I couldn't imagine 'not' helping.

But there are certainly companies that have been advised by their attorneys to NOT help. Or to not help unless certain conditions are met.

Just think about how many papers you have to sign when you are admitted to the hospital. And everyone treating you there is a healthcare professional.

 

[manning]

Hey, guys, I'm not a flight attendant. I haven't refused medical treatment on anyone's behalf.

I'm simply saying that the airlines and flight attendants are protecting themselves against a lawsuit.

The flip side is if that person had died tthere just be a way larger lawsuit. Sometimes you have to take the chance. Personally I couldn't live knowing I may have contributed to a person's death.

 

[Unas]

The problem is, there are logistical considerations on an airplane. Reports coming back from these incidents in the air are that there was only space for one or two people in addition to the FA (if that), not to mention that other customers still have to use the bathroom and want their snacks and drinks, etc., so you can't clog up the aisle on a plane with multiple people indefinitely. Also, as said before, for most inflight emergencies, death isn't something that's likely to happen (only two thirds of one percent of the time) so it's usually more someone who's not feeling well, and that could be for a variety of reasons.

Yes, let's not inconvenience the other pax by having medical professionals clogging the aisle. You certainly wouldn't want care to you, or a loved one to interfere with drink service.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Also, as said before, for most inflight emergencies, death isn't something that's likely to happen (only two thirds of one percent of the time) so it's usually more someone who's not feeling well, and that could be for a variety of reasons.

With 2.7 billion passengers annually worldwide, it's still over 9,000 people (based on what I recall of the original statistic, which was 1/3 of one percent)

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Yes, let's not inconvenience the other pax by having medical professionals clogging the aisle. You certainly wouldn't want care to you, or a loved one to interfere with drink service.

So are you saying that won't ever happen on a flight? It was actually a direct quote from one of the medical professionals who helped out in one of the articles posted earlier. Yes, some people were inconvenienced by someone else's medical emergency. Shocking, I know!

 

[MinnieMouse84]

God forbid people have to wait for their drinks while someone's having an emergency.