One in every 604 flights involves a reported medical emergency, according to a 2013 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center calculated that translates into 44,000 in-flight medical emergencies worldwide every year.
The actual number may be much higher, because no mandatory reporting system exists and minor issues are very likely underreported.
The most common problems, according to the data collected, were fainting or feeling dizzy and lightheaded (37%), respiratory symptoms (12%) and nausea or vomiting (10%).
But how are these emergencies handled, especially when they're more complicated or life-threatening?
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