Airport Security Versus Patient Security: The “Sickurity” Problem

Abstract

The massive restrain security measurements at the airports very much impress the health status of the healthy and sick passengers alike. The security check is undisputedly a harassment – the confiscation of fluids, the limited movement on the airplane results in a stressful situation and put a harmful effect on healthy traveler and an even more harmful one on the sick. This kind of problem could be called “sickurity” problem. The aim of this article is to estimate the effects of safety measurements on the patients during their medical repatriation by commercial flight. Due to the high level of anti-terrorism measurements, the medical repatriation of a sick traveler has become more difficult than ever. The main issues of the problem are the following: entering with a patient on a stretcher into the security restricted area; taking the medical equipment, tools and drugs of the escorting professionals on the plane; ensuring appropriate oxygenisation in the safety zone, etc. While the safety measurements and restrictions could interfere with the patient’s treatment before and during the fly, the same is true for the medical escort, who need to treat and care the patient before and during the trip. Unfortunately, majority of airports are not prepared to solve this problem. Moreover, the security rules are vary by countries. Eventually the patient security and airport security are not mutually exclusive ideas. The traveller – both healthy and sick – has a right for appropriate care and treatment even at the airport. Therefore uniformised, satisfactory regulations are badly needed in order to remedy this urgent problem – a protocol, which meet the security and the health-care requirements both alike. Hopefully the authorities (IATA, ASMA, local transport authorities) whom may concerned in the topic will realise and soon create a solution to the “sickurity” problem.

Keywords

• Medical repatriation
• Airport security
• Medical escort
• patient safety