Chapter 6 crew health precautions

Question 0

In the event you need to remove a crew member from duty, What guidelines are available?

Answer 0

6.1.1. Procedure for Removal of a Crew Member
Where any member of the crew has doubts about the fitness of another crew member to operate as a member of that crew, it is their duty to raise such concerns with either the Commander or Purser as appropriate.
These concerns are to be treated as a flight safety issue, as the operating crew is the last line of defence in terms of organisational safety. The problem will be discussed mutually by the Commander, the First Officer, and the Purser.
If the decision is made that the crew member is to be removed from the flight for any reason, the VPNC should be contacted. The VPNC is in the best position to coordinate with support staff, assess the problem of crew replacement, and manage the delay if any.
If the grounds for off-load are medical, the VPNC will consult with the Emirates Emergency Doctor. Transport will be arranged to take the crew member directly to the medical facility nominated by the relevant medical staff.
Irrespective of the reason for the removal of a crew member, the VPNC will advise by telephone to the Duty Representatives from both Flight Operations and Cabin Services Management.
The Commander should brief the remaining crew that the crew member has stood down from the flight. This may be done by the First Officer or the Purser where deemed appropriate.
If the crew member that has to be removed from the flight is the Commander, the First Officer will be responsible for making contact with the VPNC, and to assume command of the aircraft, until such time that a replacement Commander can be made available.

Question 1

6.1 What is the definition of unfit for duty?

Answer 1

Flight duty is prohibited when a crew member’s capacity for work is reduced because of illness or general physical condition. Decrease of fitness includes the effects of disease, injury, alcohol, drugs, fatigue, etc.

Note: if a crew member is ill or injured prior to a duty period they are considered unfit. If a crew member is ill or injured while on duty they are considered incapacitated (injured - industrial injury).

Question 2

What are the rule relating to the possession of Vaccinations/Immunisation certificate ?

6.2.4

Answer 2

All crew members shall ensure that they have valid and complete certificates for all EK destinations. The declaration at check-in includes this confirmation. Data concerning the period of validity of a vaccination are given in the Emirates “Aircrew and Staff Vaccination Record”. All crew members shall present their vaccination certificates to the appropriate authorities when required to do so.

Question 3

What are the precautions necessary after receiving a vaccination?

6.2.4.1

Answer 3

Must observe 24hrs between vaccination and flight.

Don’t consume alcohol within 24hrs of vaccination

Question 4

What must you do if a person falls ill on board? How would you alert health authorities?

Answer 4

Provide for their welfare and then follow:
6.3 International Regulations
The Commander must report all cases of illness on board his aircraft (excluding cases of airsickness and accidents) on landing at any aerodrome. The details are to be given in the appropriate part of the Aircraft General Declaration. Cases of ill passengers disembarked during the flight must also be reported on arrival.

Then follow the guidance for 6.3.1 Quarantine Regulations

MedLink can be used to inform local health authorities and start the Public Health response.

Question 5

What action must you take if a crew member has an accident while on duty?

Answer 5

Provide for their welfare and then Follow the guidelines in chapter

6.5.2 Injury Resulting in the Inability to Continue Duty

Which includes completing a CSR

Question 6

What action must you take if a crew member falls sick during a layover?

Answer 6

Provide for their welfare and then follow:

6.5.6 Procedure when a Crew Member is Declared Unfit

The Commander should submit a CSR and follow the procedure above

Question 7

What should you do if a crew member believes they a pregnant down route?

Answer 7

6.2.9 Pregnancy
Any female flight crew who suspect that they may be pregnant should be seen at the Emirates Clinic as soon as possible for confirmation. The UAE GCAA will suspend a licence when they have received notification of a pregnancy. Please refer to Employment Regulation Manual for details.

(Note: only an Ek doc can certify one pregnant, therefore this should not effect the flight)