Comments on The truth behind medical emergencies at 40,000 feetTypePad2013-04-08T13:56:51ZToronto Starhttps://thestar.blogs.com/worlddaily/tag:typepad.com,2003:https://thestar.blogs.com/worlddaily/2013/04/the-truth-behind-medical-emergencies-at-40000-feet/comments/atom.xml/Peter Overton commented on 'The truth behind medical emergencies at 40,000 feet'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d8341bf8f353ef017c3874080c970b2013-04-08T21:18:17Z2013-04-08T23:17:53ZPeter OvertonI was on a flight back to Toronto from Beijing in February of 2011 when the call came over the...<p>I was on a flight back to Toronto from Beijing in February of 2011 when the call came over the PA for a medical doctor. I never did find out what happened but for hours,aircraft personnel were going back and forth -- some obviously quite distressed by whatever was going on just behind us. At one point a big guy from the flight deck hurried back in what looked like a butcher's apron! When we landed we were told to remain seated until Peel police and medical personnel came on board but eventually those of us forward of the event were released.</p>Steve J commented on 'The truth behind medical emergencies at 40,000 feet'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d8341bf8f353ef017eea1636fa970d2013-04-08T17:54:51Z2013-04-08T18:19:01ZSteve JWe've flown an average 4 times a year for the last 35 years and have only experienced one medical emergency....<p>We've flown an average 4 times a year for the last 35 years and have only experienced one medical emergency. Not only did we get 'is there a doctor on board?', we got an unscheduled stop on the flight. Of course, we never did find out the fate of that passenger. </p>LTMP commented on 'The truth behind medical emergencies at 40,000 feet'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d8341bf8f353ef017eea15a6a0970d2013-04-08T16:12:24Z2013-04-08T16:39:19ZLTMPI was on about 600 flights over the course of three years, and only experienced this request for assistance once....<p>I was on about 600 flights over the course of three years, and only experienced this request for assistance once.</p>
<p>When they asked for the second time, I mentioned that I had a current first aid and CPR certificate, and would help if they couldn't find anyone better.</p>
<p>When no one else responded, I lent what assistance I could, and the passenger recovered nicely (at least for the rest of the flight).</p>
<p>The flight crew were amazing and supportive in every way.</p>
<p>At the end of the flight, I was given a bottle of wine for my efforts, and Holly Cole, who was sitting next to me, arranged for me and a couple of guests to watch her show that night in Seattle (it was fantastic!).</p>
<p>Air Canada then gave me an extra 15,000 Aeroplan miles for my trouble.</p>
<p>All in all it was a wonderful experience. I would offer my services again in a heartbeat.</p>Editrix commented on 'The truth behind medical emergencies at 40,000 feet'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d8341bf8f353ef017eea1580b2970d2013-04-08T15:45:21Z2013-04-08T15:50:35ZEditrixStewardesses, back in the 30s and 40s were nurses.<p>Stewardesses, back in the 30s and 40s were nurses.</p>Gene commented on 'The truth behind medical emergencies at 40,000 feet'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d8341bf8f353ef017d42a0fd3c970c2013-04-08T14:49:11Z2013-04-08T14:49:26ZGeneCorrection to last post. There was one other occasion. We were asked to remain seated after we arrived to allow...<p>Correction to last post.</p>
<p>There was one other occasion. We were asked to remain seated after we arrived to allow EMTs clear access to somebody in distress at the back of the plane.</p>Gene commented on 'The truth behind medical emergencies at 40,000 feet'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a00d8341bf8f353ef017c3871e5f5970b2013-04-08T14:46:10Z2013-04-08T14:46:27ZGeneSeriously? I fly either domestically or overseas on average once a week and have been doing so for more than...<p>Seriously? I fly either domestically or overseas on average once a week and have been doing so for more than 10 yrs. The only medical emergency I've seen in all that time was at the end of the boarding bridge as we left the aircraft. Some unfortunate person dropped from what appeared to have been a heart attack. </p>