ATLANTA- JooWon Lee, a medical doctor, is on a Delta Air Lines (DL) flight from Seoul (ICN), South Korea, to Atlanta (ATL), United States, when he responded to a distress call for medical assistance.
Lee recounted the incident, saying he found a middle-aged passenger unresponsive. He quickly identified that the man was experiencing a heart attack.
He administered four electric shocks using the automated external defibrillator (AED). While other passengers performed CPR for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Doctor Saved Delta Air Lines Passenger life
The flight, bound for Atlanta, ultimately diverted to Minneapolis (MSP) to ensure the passenger received emergency medical attention.
Lee praised the teamwork displayed by medically-trained passengers and the presence of an onboard emergency medical technician who administered an epinephrine intravenous (IV) injection.
Despite the odds, the patient regained consciousness before the plane landed. Lee commended the quality of the CPR performed and highlighted the importance of high-quality CPR in increasing survival chances without brain damage.
He mentioned that fellow passengers who provided assistance identified themselves as emergency medical technicians (EMTs), intensivists, and cardiothoracic nurses.
Lee acknowledged Delta’s well-equipped onboard medical kit, including an AED, IV butterfly, and epinephrine.
While federal regulations require airlines to carry certain medical equipment, Lee suggested that additional supplies, such as an intubation kit and clearer instructions for opening the AED case, could be beneficial during emergencies.
Medical Emergency
The Airbus A350-operated flight, which has four pilots, 11 flight attendants, and 281 passengers onboard, arrived in Atlanta nearly two hours behind schedule after restocking medical supplies in Minneapolis.
Delta ensured that customers with connecting flights could proceed to their final destinations on the same day.
Reflecting on the incident, Lee emphasized the importance of following up with the patient. He identified only as John to learn about his recovery.
Lee expressed his curiosity and desire to know if the patient is doing well after receiving further medical treatment at the hospital.
This incident serves as an excellent example of a successful emergency response in a challenging situation. Further, highlights the importance of trained professionals and well-equipped medical resources on flights.
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