Mid-Flight Deaths: What Happens When Someone Dies on a Plane?
While mid-flight deaths are extremely rare, they can leave a mark on everyone involved. Understanding the procedures and impacts of such incidents informs travelers and aviation staff alike.
In the summer of 2017, Lale Arikoglu was flying from New York to Istanbul when a series of urgent events unfolded. A passenger two rows behind became unresponsive, prompting flight attendants to urgently summon a doctor and prepare for an emergency landing in Zurich. This incident underscores the seriousness of in-flight medical emergencies.
As Arikoglu recounted, the atmosphere became tense as crew members attempted to resuscitate the woman. Upon landing, emergency services were ready, yet the fate of the passenger remained unknown, highlighting the impact such occurrences have on those present.
How Often Do Mid-Flight Deaths Occur?
High-profile incidents often make headlines, leading many to wonder: what truly happens if someone dies on a plane? According to Dr. Arnold Seid, medical director of Global Rescue, death on commercial flights is quite uncommon. A 2021 report from the National Safety Council indicates major airlines reported no in-flight fatalities.
A study published in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine found a global incidence of in-flight medical emergencies at only 18.2 per million passengers, with a mortality rate of 0.21 per million. Therefore, with a projected 4.7 billion passengers expected to fly in 2024, it is inevitable that some travelers may encounter tragic situations, making it more prevalent in recent news.
How Airlines Tackle In-Flight Medical Emergencies
Airlines have varying protocols for handling medical emergencies or deaths during flights. While no formal regulations exist from bodies like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), IATA provides guidelines for crew to follow during these sensitive situations.
The guidelines recommend that crew perform CPR until specific conditions arise, such as the return of breathing and circulation or the aircraft’s landing. Consequently, onboard Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are utilized in efforts to revive the passenger.
In the event of a medical emergency, cabin crew will inquire if a physician is present. It is important to note that only a medical professional can declare a passenger dead. If no doctor is available, airlines consult ground-based medical services like MedLink, which provides real-time assistance to pilots.
Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, it is not mandatory for flights to divert due to a death on board. The pilot typically categorizes the incident as a medical emergency, thus maintaining the flight path unless critical conditions dictate otherwise.
In preparation for such events, IATA instructs that the deceased may be relocated to a more discreet area, possibly a crew rest area or a less populated section of the cabin to ensure dignity and respect. Additionally, if a body bag is unavailable, crew members should cover the deceased with a blanket and ensure that their eyes are closed.
Ultimately, airlines prioritize maintaining dignity throughout this challenging experience. They have structures in place for the repatriation and post-landing logistics, which may involve complex procedures, especially when crossing international borders.
In light of these incidents, it’s essential to remember the humanity involved. As Alves points out, “At this very moment, probably around one million people are flying across the world.” Thus, both births and deaths can occur in the unique environment of flight, shaping the experiences and thoughts of the individuals on board.
