Bedpans in First Class?

[Jet II]

From Ananova

Couple stranded in New Zealand over bedpan

A Welsh couple recovering from a car crash say they're stranded in New Zealand because airlines won't let them use bedpans in First Class. Tony and Jenny Legge, from Cardiff, were injured in July and cannot walk unaided - even to the toilet.

Doctors say they must only make the 30-hour flight home in first class but airlines say they only allow bedpans in economy.

We don't want special treatment, we just want to go home ... money is not an issue. It's discrimination," said Jenny Legge. If the airlines help, "all we need is a packet of painkillers and we will make it," Tony Legge said. Insurance companies have agreed to pay for two medical escorts to care for the Legges during the trip.

The couple were front-seat passengers in a camper van driven by their son David which collided with another vehicle on July 18, just 36 hours into their vacation. The driver of the other vehicle was killed. Tony Legge suffered two broken feet and ankles, a broken lower leg and hand. His wife had her pelvis smashed in four places and severe damage to her leg tendons. David Legge escaped with a broken leg.


Story filed: 08:43 Wednesday 4th September 2002

Is this true? do airlines only allow bedpans in Economy?

:eek:

[PaperTiger]

Is this true? do airlines only allow bedpans in Economy? Yes, First Class passengers use the dessert cart :eek:

[ORAC]

So why don't the tight g*ts at the insurance company fork out for an air ambulance. A Gulfstream V would be nice. :D

[pilotwolf]

I agree - insurance companies are great until you want a return on your policy.

Assume the only reason for 1st/upper class is the need for the leg room, so what is wrong with a bulkhead row in economy?

Obviously exit row is not a possibilty due to their immobilty.

Guess upper class pax don't have the need for normal bodily functions? Does that mean that a new mother can't breast feed in upper class?

Guess when I can afford to travel upper class i won't be allowed to fart either?? :confused: :D

edited for rum induced typos!

[Skypilot]

When I needed to be evacuated from India (also with a broken pelvis) my insurance company did a pretty good job. They bought a block of six adjacent seats (two seats by three rows) in the economy cabin of a scheduled BA flight, folded them forwards and constructed a platform over the top. I was then able to lie on this, flat out on a stretcher. The nurse they sent out to escort me home had one of the adjacent seats, and passed me the bed pan whenever it was needed. All in all, it was probably the most comfortable flight that I have ever experienced!

[747FOCAL]

If I pay ten grand for a seat the last thing I want to see or worse smell is a dirty bed pan. I know it is harsh, but damn there is only so much you can handle. What if the aircraft hit turbulents and that damn thing went flyin?

Talk about the shiznit hitting the fan! :D

[PAXboy]

Following a recent visit to hospital, I can tell you that bedpans are not the open stainless steel bowl type any more.

Recycled carboard, with a resin on the inside. Disposable. For both males and females the unit is enclosed, think of a gourd, and the open end is shaped to suit the gender of intended use.
Pause to allow excitable PPRuNers to adjust their imagination ... I was not in hospital long ennight (24 hour stay) to need any other type of bed device.

Should not be a problem. Also, I have seen adverts for these devices for people with difficulties on long car trips, etc. They are also moulded to suit and made of plastic with a sealable lid, not unlike Tupperware!

[PaperTiger]

SQ will accommodate them.
http://biz.yahoo.com/djus/020905/0444000221_1.html

[Eboy]

What about those diapers sold for adult incontinence? The astronauts use something like that during extra-vehicular activities. Having a 3-year old, I can attest to the advances in absorbent technology. AMAZING how much disposable diapers will hold these days.

Other than that, they could take a change of clothes, and just take a whiz right there in the seat. After the airline loses the revenue from two seats for a day or two, it might reconsider the bedpan policy.

[Tinker]

Just out of interest, childrens disposable 'diapers' will hold a pint, possibly more (of tap water at least). I was bored one evening:D

[takenthe5thamendment]

As I work in the medical profession I have a simple answer to this dilemma.

1. Catheterise the passengers, they can then have the urine bag emptied via a tap into a container and flushed away.

2. Give them medication to constipate them, Imodium for a couple of days prior to take off.

They wont have any problems with bodily functions then.

What does concern me is the fact if they are sitting or lying for 30 hrs, what about their pressure areas???
There is a grave risk of pressure sores developing if they are confined to one position.




PAXboy....I have just finished a night shift at a hospital in Buckinghamshire, let me assure you, we still use the old stainless steel bedpans...................... I empied lots of them during the night :(
I have not worked in a hospital in the last 23 years that doesnt use the steel ones, however, disposable ones are used for emergency measures, ie. when the washer breaks down......................or to make hats for leaving parties, but dont tell anyone I told you that ;)
Ohhhhhhhh and we still use the awful plastic bottles for men to pee into!

[pilotwolf]

According to ITV Teletext, page 324, Singapore Airlines saved the day and flew them home.

[PAXboy]

takenthe5thamendment; I like your suggestions and might take them up fo rmy next ultra long haul:

1. Catheterise the passengers.
Saves me leaving the seat, all new 1st Class seats will have a drain built in - but away from the lap top power socket.

2. Give them medication to constipate them.
Could be worse but what about the resulting 'turbulence' when the medication wears off?

>They wont have any problems with bodily functions then.
Station a couple of pax in this state just outside the flight deck door. When the hijackers strike - they can deploy their 'anti-personnel matter'.



:cool:

[takenthe5thamendment]

PAXBOY - In reply to your question, just make sure that the passengers are given Imodium every 3 hours, then there'll be no chance of any accidents.

Another suggestion would be to use Anal Plugs, they are actually manufactured in the UK, I'm sure I could arrange for a sample pack of 12 to be sent to you :)
For gods sake, stand back when they are removed :eek:

[PAXboy]

Taking 5th ... Thank you for the information :eek:

On reading your last post, my unspoken thought was, "Holy Smoke".

But, upon further reflection, the second word may not be the correct one :(