Inaccurate newspaper story

[Dave Noble]

I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm."

Indeed

That still does not seem to state that a doctor must work free of charge when on a flight


Dave

 

[Reggie]

drron,

The flying community owes you and your like minded colleagues a great deal of gratitude. Even if the airlines do not show it, whether we as an in need pax or the fellow pax who do not have their trips delayed by diversions or turn arounds we should all be thankful.

I hope that if I am ever in need of medical assiatance on a plane you or someone like you provides assistance, and feel free to send me a bill. If I self insured by not taking travel insurance I would rather be in a position having to pay you rather than my family organising a funeral.

 

[Hawkeye]

The willingness of a doctor to volunteer his/her services may also depend upon his/her confidence in dealing with the situation outside the insular environment of a hospital/surgery.

A pathologist or a radiologist, for example, may not have practiced any clinical medicine for many years. A paramedic, or someone with basic and advanced-life support skills (e.g. first aid certificate), could be a far better person to have looking after you in this circumstance.

As a physician, I would happily volunteer my services to help out if I was asked, and could give assistance with most situations. I would, however, struggle to use an unfolded coathanger sterilised with a bottle of scotch to treat a tension pneumothorax as one surgeon did on a flight many years ago.

I would never ask for, or expect, payment. Knowing that you helped ... and an occasional thanks ... is enough.

 

[kpc]

As a medical specialist, I would offer assistance if required / requested without any expectation in return. Having said that a "Thank You" from the patient / relative would be sufficient; however, I think the airline could show some appreciation (as the medical assistance may have avoided a very expensive diversion) for my inconvenience, especially if assitance is prolonged such as a bottle of nice champagne, upgrade on return journey or similar. I don't think money needs / should be exchanged either with the airline or the patient.


If airlines constantly don't show apprecaition (and doctors are human after all!), it is unlikely they will be stampeded with offers of help the next time it is sought.

 

[Keith009]

drron,

The flying community owes you and your like minded colleagues a great deal of gratitude. Even if the airlines do not show it, whether we as an in need pax or the fellow pax who do not have their trips delayed by diversions or turn arounds we should all be thankful.

I hope that if I am ever in need of medical assiatance on a plane you or someone like you provides assistance, and feel free to send me a bill. If I self insured by not taking travel insurance I would rather be in a position having to pay you rather than my family organising a funeral.

Amen to that, Reggie.

 

[oz_mark]

As a medical specialist, I would offer assistance if required / requested without any expectation in return. Having said that a "Thank You" from the patient / relative would be sufficient; however, I think the airline could show some appreciation (as the medical assistance may have avoided a very expensive diversion) for my inconvenience, especially if assitance is prolonged such as a bottle of nice champagne, upgrade on return journey or similar. I don't think money needs / should be exchanged either with the airline or the patient.


If airlines constantly don't show apprecaition (and doctors are human after all!), it is unlikely they will be stampeded with offers of help the next time it is sought.

Reading through the posts I do get the impression that the crux of the problem is that airlines are taking the willingness of doctors to assist for granted. Every now and then, one of the doctors will decide that they don't want to be taken for granted and will take some action.

 

[Reggie]

If airlines constantly don't show apprecaition (and doctors are human after all!), it is unlikely they will be stampeded with offers of help the next time it is sought.

Exactly, Imagine 20 years driving down a country road in outback WA with wife and young child, you drive upto a car with its bonnet up and someone waving at you. What would you have done. Now imagine doing that today, what thoughts would pass through your head?

I just hope doctors keep helping.

 

[JohnK]

It is great knowing that the medical professionals on AFF will offer their assistance when needed. Thanks. As for the airlines taking doctors for granted, well that is almost expected.

I don't see anything wrong with a doctor being rewarded by the airline after being asked for assistance on a flight. What sort of compensation? There has already been a few good ideas mentioned in this thread.

Imagine 20 years driving down a country road in outback WA with wife and young child....

That is a real long drive Reggie.

 

[Happy Dude]

Indeed

That still does not seem to state that a doctor must work free of charge when on a flight


Dave

I doubt that Hippocrates envisaged that when he penned the oath in whenever BC.

Leaving the pedantry aside, helping someone in a time of need is the right thing to do. I can't imagine a doctor who wouldn't have this attitude. It's a sad indictment on the airline if it is too short-sighted and stingy to realise that the good doctor may have saved them a great deal of money....