137: In Flight Medical Emergencies with Alex PhD, EMT-P

You’re 30,000 feet in the air when you hear, “Is there a medical professional onboard?” Answering that call is a little more complicated than you might think.

In this episode, Alexandra Jabr, PhD, EMT-P joins Sarah to discuss what happened during their first in-flight medical emergencies — what surprises came up, what resources they had, and how they responded with limited supplies. They share what they learned about caring for patients mid-flight, from the most common in-flight emergencies to the legal considerations of volunteering. Tune in to find out how you can prepare and respond if you ever hear that call in the air!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Alex’s international flight medical emergency
• What went wrong during Sarah’s first in-flight emergency
• Protocols and challenges of in-flight care
• Aircraft medical kits and limitations
• Legal protections for volunteers
• Should you accept gifts from airlines?
• Common in-flight medical emergencies
• How to prepare for in-flight emergencies
• Documentation protocols and follow-up

Connect with Alex:

https://www.emergencyresilience.com/

https://www.instagram.com/emergencyresilience

Check out the list of FAA mandated medical supplies on every flight:

https://mobile.fpnotebook.com/ER/Pharm/FMndtdEmrgncyMdclKt.htm

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen to the In The Heart of Care Podcast

https://link.cohostpodcasting.com/6598429e-e927-45b0-9b57-7dd34a09d803?d=seASyqjs7

Join Rapid Response Academy Fall 2025 Cohort!

Click here to learn more: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/rra

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