No wonder doctors have been known to hide their titles, when booking their flights. After talking to some of the airlines flying international and domestic routes out of Adelaide, things are not so bad. Cabin crew members, of course, are required to pass a stringent First-Aid course as part of their training. Most International flights are equipped with a comprehensive medical pack, similar to those carried by paramedics. The medical pack is kept securely locked away and unopened.
Some flights now carry defibrillators, easy breathers and nebulisers.
There are also facilities for people carrying their own 'easybreather' equipment. In the event of a Medical Emergency, airlines will make an emergency stop, depending on the route being flown and the medical facilities being offered en route. For people with disabilities, the airlines are well equipped to look after their needs. Wheelchairs are available at all airports, and special boarding arrangements can be made if the airlines are advised in advance, including multi-weather ambulatory vehicles and enclosed lifts, especially important at airports like Adelaide Domestic, where there are no aerobridges. Some aeroplanes are now being provided with specially designed toilets allowing disabled unobstructed access, special removable armrests and stretcher fittings.