Korean Doctors Save Passenger in Midair Emergency

On March 24, a passenger on a flight from Incheon, South Korea, to Manila, Philippines, experienced a medical emergency that required immediate intervention. The passenger, a middle-aged woman of Philippine nationality, suffered a severe health crisis, with her pulse dropping and difficulty breathing shortly after takeoff. Seven doctors, all members of the Korean Academy of Family Medicine, were on board en route to the WONCA Asia Pacific Regional Conference when the emergency call for medical assistance was made.

The Straits Times

Professor Kim Jeong-hwan of Gangnam Eulji Medical Center, who was among the doctors, described the situation as alarming. Upon reaching the patient, the medical team found her collapsed and surrounded by flight attendants. Initial attempts to secure her airway through intubation were unsuccessful due to the patient's condition. Instead, the doctors utilized a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and an Ambu bag to assist her breathing. Professor Kim noted, “The patient’s breath sounds were extremely weak. I feared her breathing might stop at any moment.”

"Is There a Doctor on Board?" Korean Doctors Save Woman from Cardiac Arrest After In-Flight Emergency CallThe Straits Times

The doctors worked collaboratively for over three hours, monitoring her vital signs and providing continuous care. Their efforts were met with a positive turn when the patient began to breathe on her own again, and her blood pressure improved significantly, rising to a systolic level of 190–200. The medical team remained by her side until the flight landed at Manila Airport, where she was transferred to local medical staff for further treatment.

"Is There a Doctor on Board?" Korean Doctors Save Woman from Cardiac Arrest After In-Flight Emergency Call

Professor Kim expressed gratitude for the successful outcome, stating, “Fortunately, the patient’s condition appeared to improve steadily until we landed at Manila Airport.” He acknowledged the rarity of encountering such a critical situation during a flight, especially with multiple doctors present to provide assistance. The flight attendants expressed their appreciation for the doctors' timely intervention.

"Is There a Doctor on Board?" Korean Doctors Save Woman from Cardiac Arrest After In-Flight Emergency Call

While the incident has been widely praised, some commentators have raised concerns about the adequacy of in-flight medical resources. Questions have been raised regarding the availability of advanced medical equipment and training for flight attendants to handle such emergencies more effectively.

"Is There a Doctor on Board?" Korean Doctors Save Woman from Cardiac Arrest After In-Flight Emergency Call

• “I felt her breathing weaken and used the Ambu bag to assist ventilation. Her pulse dropped, and I worried about cardiac arrest,” — Professor Kim Jeong-hwan, Gangnam Eulji Medical Center

The Straits Times

• “As her spontaneous breathing became weaker, I began forced ventilation using the Ambu bag.” — Professor Kim Jeong-hwan

"Is There a Doctor on Board?" Korean Doctors Save Woman from Cardiac Arrest After In-Flight Emergency Call

The successful intervention by the group of Korean doctors highlights the importance of preparedness and collaboration in emergency medical situations, especially in environments like commercial flights where immediate medical assistance may be limited. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role healthcare professionals play, even outside their usual settings.

"Is There a Doctor on Board?" Korean Doctors Save Woman from Cardiac Arrest After In-Flight Emergency Call