Lawyer seeks more Air NZ advice on DVT.

Monday, September 30th 2002

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Air New Zealand could do more to advise people about how to avoid deep vein thrombosis, the lawyer representing 25 victims said yesterday.

A 25-year old Australian woman. Rebecca Yates, died last Saturday (21 Sept. 2002) of a blood clot, possibly caused by deep vein thrombosis, soon after flying from Brisbane to Las Vegas.

She was at least the third person to die from complications, after developing deep vein thrombosis, after flying long distance on Air New Zealand.

Wellington lawyer Roger Chapman said two of the cases he was acting for were on behalf of the family of Air New Zaland passengers who had died. He said the availability of information on the condition from airlines was still limited.

Other than Air New Zealands Internet site, the first opportunity a passenger had to learn about if from the airline was once they were on board the aircraft by viewing a video or reading about it in the in-flight magazine. Older people, also more at risk, often did not have access to the Internet, or did not think to use it to get information about the condition.

"As far as I know there is not very much attempt to warn people before they fly. Air New Zealand have some limited information on their website about it, but one of the problems is going to be that there are still a lot of people who don't really know about this."

"Once you get on the aircraft, if you haven't bought your compression stockings or you haven't had any medical treatment you might need, it is a bit late. The warning ought to be available to people before they fly, rather than see it for the first time once you are on the aircraft." Some things were being done, he said, but it could be done better.

Air New Zealand spokeswoman Rose Paul said the airline would not modify its extensive warnings to passengers of the dangers of sitting in one place for too long. Despite the latest death.

Drinking plenty water, eating small amounts of food and avoiding excess alcohol could lessen the chances of developing a blood clot. "We've taken the approach for (many years) that long-haul flights aren't the best thing on earth and people need to be aware of certain things they can do?." Miss Paul said.

Publised in The Dominion Post, Saturday September 28 2002

A footnote from the Team at Ideal Health.

As pointed out by spokeswoman Rose Paul, Air New Zealand are warning passengers of the dangers of sitting in one place for too long (this does not just apply whie flying). If you have a medical condition, you would be advised to discuss this with your Doctor well prior to flying.

There are several supplements that can be used to help reduce both the risk of developing DVT and the severity of the symptoms.

Supplements such as Gingko Biloba, Garlicin HC, Lecithin, Mega Bioflavanoids

 

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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