The World's Worst Travel Disasters

Medical Emergency at 30,000 Feet

The Scenario: You’re airborne and midway across the Atlantic (or the Pacific) when you suddenly suffer an appendicitis or heart attack.

The Location: Five or so miles above sea level (hopefully in business or first class, where there’s more room to stretch out).

The Information: All domestic commercial aircraft are required to carry defibrillators, emergency medical kits, and first aid kits; flight attendants are all trained in using the equipment and performing basic CPR. If it’s necessary, the pilot can decide to make an emergency landing at the nearest airport—and in a real emergency, it often is necessary. “Airplanes are not optimal for administering medical care,” says FAA spokesperson Alison Duquette. “During a medical emergency, the focus is to get the passenger on the ground.”