This is probably one of those instances where you are used to doing one thing so perhaps ask the wrong question. I deal daily with MED1 and MED2 flight both planned and upgraded on the run (the responsibility rests with the captain to determine the status). I work at a tower and deal primarily with RFDS and a rescue helicopter. If someone had a sick person on board I would probably straight away ask if they needed MED1 priority as that is something I deal with day in and day out. If that caused some confusion maybe I would then go back and ask if it was a medical emergency etc etc.

I guess the point I am trying to make is, that I am sure the controller wasn't trying to make life hard, but if he/she deals with MED flights frequently, that is the first thing that will pop into mind.

EDIT: Back Seat Driver posted as I did. I have often had flights upgrade (and downgrade back unfortunately) to MED1 in flight or whilst taxiing. These haven't been prefixed with PAN though each instance was a RFDS or RESCUE helicopter.

I personally have nothing but the higest regard for our ATC Bretheren, and understand your concerns 57.
The point of this thread, to me, is that SQ221, as a foreign carrier would have had no idea what "AIR MED 1" meant, and hence the confusion on the night. I've had my share of medical emergencies on long haul RPT services and the term was new to me. (never had the fortune to fly for the RFDS etc.) By the same token PAN PAN has absolutely no meaning in the United States. They would just ask if you are declaring an emergency ie. medical/ low fuel or whatever.

Nev,

Your subsequent posts get harder to understand?

On another note, there is a big difference between speaking english and speaking Australian. I would not like to be in the ATC's shoes who did not direct track an aircraft and a pax died, all because the aircrafts techies did not utter the magic words. (whatever the magic words are, depending on which country you are transitting).

Now I don't think techies would tell you they had a sick pax onboard if they were referring to a person who had a cold.

My point: I'm not asking techies for a diagnosis or prognosis, you tell me you got sick pax, you go direct wherever you want. It's then up to your company to justify your actions and I'll be quite happy to justify mine. :ok: