In Flight Cardiac Arrest (IFCA) Survival: A Concept Analysis

Abstract

Background: The number of inflight medical emergencies has risen in recent years, mainly due to more
and more of us jetting off each year. Sudden Cardiac Arrest can strike at any time. Managing cardiac
arrest in flight is really challenging and the survival depends on many factors. It’s been estimated that
1000 people die during commercial flights each year. This study clarifies the concept of Inflight Cardiac
Arrest survival by using concept analysis. Methods: To analyze the concept, relevant literature was
analyzed using Walker and Avant’s concept analysis. Results: The major antecedents of inflight cardiac
arrest are cardiac causes, non -cardiac causes, flight conditions and lethal cocktail. Defining attributes of
inflight cardiac arrest survival are in flight attributes, Chain of survival, availability of trained personnel
and emergency equipment and remaining flight time to destination. Consequences of inflight cardiac
arrest are physiologic consequences of victim and emotional consequences of the victim, family,
personnel involved and co passengers. Conclusion: Inflight cardiac arrests are increasing in incidence.
Lack of a carotid pulse is the gold standard for diagnosing cardiac arrest. Good quality Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation and early defibrillation are key factors for inflight cardiac arrest survival.