Assessing Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, and ICU Doctors’ Knowledge, Confidence, and Attitude in Managing In-Flight Medical Emergencies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In-flight medical emergencies (IFMEs) present unique challenges for healthcare professionals, requiring a specific set of knowledge and skills that are not typically covered in standard medical training. This study aims to assess the knowledge, practices, and confidence levels of healthcare professionals in managing IFMEs, as well as their understanding of aviation physiology. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 5,000 healthcare professionals from various specialties and regions. Participants completed a comprehensive survey assessing their demographic characteristics, clinical knowledge, aviation physiology knowledge, and attitudes toward IFMEs. Data were analyzed to identify knowledge gaps, regional and specialty-based variations, and factors influencing confidence levels in handling in-flight emergencies. RESULTS: The study revealed that 3745 (74.9%) of the participants demonstrated adequate knowledge, with significant variations observed across regions and specialties. Intensive care unit (ICU) specialists and participants from the Middle region showed the highest levels of knowledge. However, gaps were identified in critical areas such as advanced airway management, cardiac arrest recognition, and understanding of aviation physiology, particularly cabin pressurization and decompression sickness. Additionally, 2125 (42.5%) of the participants expressed the need for further training in managing in-flight emergencies, citing concerns about unfamiliarity with specific emergencies and medicolegal implications. CONCLUSION: While overall knowledge levels were relatively high, the study highlights significant gaps in critical areas of in-flight emergency management. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions and training programs focused on the unique challenges of the aviation environment. Addressing these gaps will enhance the preparedness and confidence of healthcare professionals, ultimately improving patient outcomes during air travel.