Surgeon exposes airline medical kit deficiencies after assisting with flight emergency

Dr. Andrea Merrill, a Boston-based surgical oncologist, recently helped out with an in-flight health emergency — and called attention to some issues around the medical supplies that were available.

"A medical emergency in flight can be an intense experience for everyone involved." "The FAA requires many items to be carried in emergency medical kits, including epinephrine." Many airlines add more items — so there is some variation depending on the airline. The provider needs to use a syringe to draw up the medication.  "Prior to this event, I actually hadn’t thought much about what I’d do in an emergency, but it is certainly in the forefront of my mind now."

Now, she's speaking out and hoping others step up to provide better equipment on board flights. Already, there has been response. 

"Dear @Delta, I just assisted in a medical emergency in the air," tweeted Merrill, assistant professor of surgery at the Boston University School of Medicine and a surgical oncologist at Boston Medical Center.