Onboard medical emergencies

I am currently sampling WA whites in the QF PER domestic business lounge (very agreeable it is too) after one of the more memorable and reflection-inducing in-flight experiences I’ve had.

Several hours out from Perth (en route ex-DOH) and a call over the PA to ask whether there was a medical doctor onboard. A short while later, after I’d emerged from the lavatory, I was stunned to see the QR crew administering CPR on the galley floor to an elderly male passenger. A doctor, who was seated opposite the elderly gentleman had then woken up and did what she could – but to no avail. The gentleman had passed away in his sleep. We were greeted on landing with scores of paramedics and Australian Federal Police etc.

I was massively impressed at the extremely calm, caring and professional manner of the cabin crew – some of whom were struggling to contain their very real upset.

It leads me to ask, just how prepared are we, in the event of such a medical emergency, to administer CPR ourselves and administer whatever First Aid is possible? We can’t always rely upon either a first-rate flight crew or “having a doctor onboard…” I think I should renew my St John’s Ambulance certificate upon return tot he UK.

And without wishing to be mawkish, it reminds me to say those very particular words to my nearest and dearest. We’re none of us here for ever.

Safe travels to everyone.

I seem to recall, but not sure which jurisdiction(s) laws being passed that exempted doctors from lawsuits where they tried to help someone. I’ll try and find a link.

To my shame I wouldn’t have a clue what to do though Mrs. LP would, as in Switzerland in order to obtain your driving license it’s necessary to attend a course and pass an exam in First Aid. An example perhaps other countries should follow.