It is stated in the email that "
Alcohol Screening requires a detailed medical history and examination, questionnaire and laboratory tests."
The email also includes the statement that: “
Emirates is also required to randomly screen 20% of operating crew for drugs and alcohol.”
So are these two ‘screenings’ the same ?
E.g.
- Will the Emirates pre-flight / post-flight ‘random screening’ now require “a detailed medical history and examination, and questionnaire and laboratory test” (based upon a blood sample) ? (that'll certainly play havoc with on-time departures and / or duty times!), OR:
- Is it that Emirates ’random screening’ will now require that people are 'randomly' selected to visit with an AME - at a time outside of a 'Flight Duty Period' - for a blood sample to be taken, in order to be assessed for CGT, MCV, CDT? (aside that any such requirement would then constitute as a ‘Duty’ and therein is not something that could be done on ones 'DayOff' and, as such, Rostering / Crewing would have to plan & allow for this 'randomness'), OR:
- Will Emirates ’random screening’ continue ‘as is’…. albeit with ‘enhanced screening’ (for CGT, MCV, CDT) only occurring for the following (as listed) situations:
- Screening as part of age 60 medical certification.
- As part of the medical evaluation as determined by the AME during the regulatory medical examination (e.g. in cases of cardiac arrhythmia, insomnia, chronic headache, depression/anxiety, liver disease and cases of uncontrolled hypertension/diabetes or increased suspicion especially in those with a family history of addiction).
- Referral following an aviation incident or work related issue.
- 3rd party notifications for suspected drug or alcohol misuse.
So which is it?
And just what are the limits they have decided to set for each of CGT, MCV, CDT ?