What to expect from a cabin crew medical
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Cabin crew staff operate in a safety critical environment, so it is vital that their health and fitness is assessed on a regular basis to ensure they continue to be capable of doing their job safely. If you are training to become a cabin crew member or are searching for flight crew roles within the aviation industry you’ll need to undergo a cabin crew medical, so read on to find out what to expect.
When do you need a cabin crew medical?
It is mandatory for cabin crew staff in the UK and Europe to undergo a full clinical examination when they first assume the role. This initial assessment will then be viable for up to 5 years, at which point it will need renewing.
Once your medical expires, you are no longer authorised to operate as cabin crew and must book your renewal medical as soon as you can if you want to continue flying.
If you have any medical conditions, are returning to work after a prolonged absence or there is any doubt about your continued fitness then you may be advised to have your medical renewed more frequently than every 5 years.
Who can conduct cabin crew medicals?
Cabin crew medical examinations should be conducted either by an Aeromedical Centre (AeMC) such as Heathrow Medical or an Occupational Health Medical Practitioner (OHMP) that has been approved by the CAA or an EASA Medical Department.
What does the assessment involve?
As with any aviation medical, the first step will be to complete a medical form giving details of your medical history, any current or previous conditions and past or planned surgeries. It is important to complete this with as much detail and accuracy as possible as anything that needs to be investigated further could delay the issue of your medical report and prevent you from being declared fit to fly.
Your cabin crew medical assessment will also involve general questions about your health and lifestyle such as whether you smoke or drink and how much.
The examination itself will then assess the current state of your health and fitness including:
The standard examination will at minimum include:
- Observation of posture, movement and gait
- Pulse, Blood pressure, height, weight, Body Mass Index, urine test
- Examination of skin and also leg veins
- Clinical test of ears, and hearing, Clinical test of eyes and eyesight
- Examination of teeth, gums, mouth and throat
- Examination of heart, lungs and neurological system
- Examination of abdomen including checking for hernias
- Other tests that might be clinically indicated from the history will be explained
Upon successful completion of your medical you will be issued with a report, a copy of which can be given to your employer.
What should you bring with you?
When attending your cabin crew medical it is a good idea to bring along any documents relating to your medical history as well as:
- Completed medical form
- Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them and your latest prescription
- Means of payment for your medical assessment
Book your cabin crew medical in London now!
If you are looking to book an initial or renewal cabin crew medical in London, look no further than Heathrow Medical. As an Aeromedical Centre situated next to Heathrow Airport, we perform CAA, EASA and CASA cabin crew medicals and support organisations in the aviation industry to provide medicals and occupational health services. For more information on our cabin crew medicals please click here or call us on 020 8528 2633.