“Soon after take-off, we begin to enjoy the beautiful scenery through our windows. Just as the aircraft ride the beautiful skies, and out of the blue, you are to announce ‘’Attention please ladies and gentlemen, if there is a doctor or a medical staff on board, could you please make yourself known to the cabin crew? Inevitably this announcement leads to a nervy next few minutes in the cabin” Edmund Kinabo –Cabin Crew at Air Tanzania Company Limited
At the start of the Aerospace Medical and Training Centre program, it felt like entering a completely unfamiliar even. Nevertheless, exposure to theoretical principles alongside hands-on skills profoundly changed this viewpoint. Over time, it transformed into recognition of the field’s noble essence and a comprehension that managing its complexities could be relatively manageable in various respects.
Edmund Kinabo, a senior Cabin Crew member with over 5 years of experience at Air Tanzania Company Limited, possesses a keen attitude toward learning. When reflecting on his initial impression of the Aviation Medicine and First Aid Program for Cabin Crew, he expressed openness and enthusiasm towards the program
“In the begging it seemed very much as a foreign profession, but through theory introduction and integration of practical knowledge it shaped my thinking that it is a very noble field and easy to go about with most of the things. The Instructor’s vast knowledge on various subject matters and the ability to connect with trainees made it seemingly very easy to understand and practice the objectives intended. Participatory based approaches for learning gave a better sense of what was needed” Mr. Kinabo said.
In contrast to aviation, having close personal contact during flight travels (Long Hauls) may compel everyone to know the basic life support skills. Mr
Kinabo conveyed his strong desire to advance within the aerospace industry by emphasizing the significance of training and acquiring expertise, particularly focusing on safety measures by saying “Raising awareness on Health and Aviation safety related issues has often been inseparable. Lack of awareness on health issues such as minimum number of weekly durations during pregnancy has always been overlooked in our community mainly because of lack of awareness. In a broader context, the potential lack of ultra-safety in industries like aviation raises concerns about handling medical emergencies during aircraft boarding, especially with less knowledgeable crew. This situation could become lethal due to the convergence of benevolence, leading to the bypassing of protocols, barriers, and safeguards. This risk is heightened when dealing with patients who may not be immediately identifiable”
“The aviation sector lacks a blame-free reporting culture for safety incidents, impacting both stakeholders—operators and passengers. Safety in aviation seems less emphasized than in healthcare due to economic pressures. Aspiring to prioritize safety, I aim to ensure flight safety and prompt assistance, minimizing harm and maximizing recovery” He shared the aspirations.
When Edmund was asked to relate his profession and being a first aider he said
“The Know-how of First-Aid draws an imaginary line between a matter of life and death situations. This is why it became necessary tool in passenger aircrafts just like it would do in our daily lives. The application of various techniques of First-Aid ought to have some solid initial training to help Crew members later on just anyone to carry out the critical steps involved. In actual fact, you will need a Comprehensive First Aid Knowledge to be qualified to become a professional cabin crew member”
He continued …“The rise in the number of medical emergencies on board aircraft is clearly showing an upward trends because higher passenger numbers and longer flights across international borders due to the need and demand to travel which goes hand in hand with economic growth generally speaking. Thus the inevitably of airborne cases of medical incidents are now more common to come across. In-turn making First Aid knowledge an un-questionable choice in our professional journey and careers as Crew Members, thus why every one of us must know how to manage emergency while on-board”
“Soon after take-off, we begin to enjoy the beautiful scenery through our windows. Just as the aircraft ride the beautiful skies. And out of the blue, you are to announce ‘’Attention please ladies and gentlemen, if there is a doctor or a medical staff on board, could you please make yourself known to the cabin crew?”
Inevitably this announcement leads to a nervy next few minutes in the cabin. Combination of fear and anxiety can be sensed amongst the passengers. Luckily, a medically qualified professional happens to be on board, all eyes went on turning in our direction and the remaining passengers just kept watching the series of critical events and actions unfold in awe and wonder from then on. Passenger was losing consciousness right in front of my sight on his way to the lavatory. But best be told, following the principles of CPR and with First Aid knowledge luckily we recovered the passenger’s consciousness. He was suffering from severe heart disease. Not declaring himself as patient suffering from such diseases to AVIATION MEDICAL EXAMINER before checking-in for their flight may have led to such a scenario.
However after the doctor on-board seeing him to life again most of the passengers and the Casualty himself made them interpret more on the unseen inevitable risk coming their way, Most importantly, passengers getting off the plane knowing the importance of Health and Safety related issues on a more firsthand experience” He shared his lifetime experience on inflight medical emergency”
Mr. Kinabo suggested that Aerospace Medical and Training Centre must focus on critical aspect of First Aid such as CPR, use of Automated External Defibrillators and other lifesaving skills as in First Aid Kit. “This is highly important because First Aid has been always perceived as medical practice rather than lifesaving skills. Participatory based approach in learning first aid rather than Theoretical approaches. Focus should be more given on “HOW” it is practiced rather than of “WHAT” is practiced. This brings about more hands-on knowledge instead of hypothetical thinking”
He then added “Financial resources are used to ensure that the learning systems can adequately cover the collective objectives that are to be achieved. An Up to date learning facilities require funds to assist in easy understanding of the subject matters which also increase number of competent first aiders not only in the industry but also in the community as general”
Aviation Health-Safety integration is vital across all aviation sectors, necessitating considerations in administrative, financial decisions, and more. The present disjointed state risks latent failures, demanding urgent bridge-building to avert potential risks. Unifying disparate elements, addressing vulnerabilities, and fostering transparency and reporting culture are crucial. Neglecting this integration could lead to catastrophic consequences. It’s imperative to adopt a unified strategy, embedding Aviation Health-Safety seamlessly into all aviation operations for enhanced safety and confidence in flying.
