Under what conditions are flight attendants permitted to administer medications?

• A. Whenever the Captain approves.
• B. When directed by MedLink or prescribed.
• C. Only if a physician is on board.
• D. Whenever a passenger asks for medication.

Answer: (B)

Medications in flight are administered only under medical direction. Flight attendants don’t independently decide to give drugs; they rely on real-time guidance from MedLink (the airline medical communications line) or an order from a physician. This ensures the right drug, dose, and route, and accounts for potential allergies, interactions, or contraindications in the unique cabin environment.

That’s why the best choice is to follow directions from MedLink or a physician’s prescription. Relying on the Captain’s approval alone isn’t sufficient, and waiting for a physician on board isn’t the only valid pathway. Allowing a passenger to request any medication without medical direction would be unsafe and beyond scope.