A medical emergency can happen at any time, but mid-air crises pose the unique challenge of not having immediate access to urgent medical care.

Air Canada takes several steps to make sure it can provide aid as quickly as possible when on board the aircraft.

Flight crews are trained to respond to medical emergencies and our aircraft are equipped with the means to quickly contact a team of medical professionals on the ground to determine the most appropriate course of action.

All aircraft are equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and every cabin crew member is trained on how to use the device and perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

During an emergency, crews will make an announcement asking for passengers with medical training to identify themselves and to volunteer to assist us. Medical professionals will have access to a medical kit that is onboard the aircraft, which includes a variety of medications and tools that can be used on the passenger who has fallen ill.

Last year, a pair of Toronto doctors reviewed Air Canada’s medical kits, describing in detail the medicals and equipment in it.