Medical Emergency on Singapore Airlines Flight: Doctor's Response

Post by : Raina Nasser

On November 5, a Singapore Airlines flight en route from Singapore to Milan faced a heartbreaking event when a passenger suffering from liver cancer collapsed mid-air and could not be revived, despite the heroic efforts of three doctors and the cabin crew.

Dr. Desmond Wai, a gastroenterologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, was traveling on SQ378 with his family when an urgent medical call was made by the cabin crew for assistance. He quickly volunteered to help.

“As a physician, it's my moral obligation to provide aid,” Dr. Wai commented.

At the rear of the plane, he discovered a middle-aged man unconscious on the floor, while the crew had readied an automated external defibrillator (AED) and emergency medications. Along with two other doctors, Dr. Wai promptly commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and utilized the AED in a desperate attempt to revive the passenger.

The dedicated team worked for close to 30 minutes, but eventually, the doctors had to make the heart-wrenching decision to discontinue resuscitation efforts.

“We saw no signs of improvement and advised the crew to cease. I'm sorry we couldn't succeed, but that's part of our profession. Our role is to help to the best of our ability,” Dr. Wai explained.

The grieving wife of the passenger thanked the doctors tearfully, stating, “Thank you for your efforts, doctor.”

Following the aircraft's landing, the doctors provided necessary statements to authorities as per the aviation regulations that follow an onboard fatality. Singapore Airlines expressed their condolences to the affected family and thanked the medical professionals for their quick response during the crisis.

Dr. Wai later urged fellow medical practitioners to take action in similar emergencies, emphasizing that a doctor’s commitment extends beyond the boundaries of hospitals.