Sir, – At the end of a week in which media speculation and reporting on the Germanwings accident dominated the world's news cycle, Davin O'Dwyer's sensible treatment and observations ("Germanwings co-pilot's actions undermine a unique trust," March 28th) are particularly welcome.
His is one of the few articles in the world media to have addressed this tragedy in a proportionate manner.
Effective investigation of all aspects of an aviation accident requires time, no matter how “evident” their cause may initially appear.
Unfortunately the potentially corrosive tension between our real safety needs and “instant media reaction” was very much on display last week; O’Dwyer’s orientation is one that most safety professionals would wish to adopt, in particular when it comes to balancing the many interests bearing upon the diverse medical fitness issues that arise. –Yours, etc, Capt EVAN CULLEN President Irish Airline Pilots’ Association, Dublin Airport.
Sir, – The loss of 150 lives in the Germanwings crash is a terrible tragedy. While the coverage is very important for the people who lost their lives and their grief-stricken loved ones, the grief felt by the parents of the co-pilot Andreas Lubitz must not be undermined.
His mental health issues have been reported and suggested as possibly related to the accident. Anxiety and depression are common conditions that doctors see in their daily practice. The majority of people with depression and anxiety are well-managed in the community and hold responsible jobs.
In patients where there is self-harm, it is directed towards the sufferers themselves; it is extremely rare when it results in loss of other lives.
One of the reasons for not seeking help or treatment is the stigma attached to mental health.
So any adverse coverage on the underlying mental health issues in this case may further drive other sufferers not to seek appropriate help.
I would urge the media to be extra sensitive when dealing with the mental health aspect of this terrible tragedy. – Yours etc, DR V K TOHANI Warrenpoint, Co Down.