Post by : Rameen Ariff

On November 5, an unfortunate event unfolded on a Singapore Airlines flight traveling from Singapore to Milan, when a passenger suffering from liver cancer collapsed and, despite the combined efforts of three doctors and the cabin crew, could not be saved.

Dr. Desmond Wai, a gastroenterologist affiliated with Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, was traveling on SQ378 with his family when the cabin crew urgently requested medical assistance. He wasted no time in responding.

“As a physician, I felt it was my ethical obligation to assist,” Dr. Wai shared.

At the rear of the aircraft, he discovered a middle-aged man lying unconscious as the crew had the necessary equipment, including an automated external defibrillator (AED) and emergency medications, ready for use. Together with two other doctors, Dr. Wai initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and utilized the AED in hopes of reviving the passenger.

The teams worked cohesively for nearly 30 minutes but eventually determined that resuscitation efforts would have to cease due to lack of progress.

“We didn’t observe any improvement and advised the crew to discontinue. It’s unfortunate, but that’s a part of our profession. We strive to put forth our best effort,” Dr. Wai commented.

The deceased passenger’s wife was incredibly thankful to the doctors, expressing through tears, “Thank you, doctor, for your efforts.”

Following the plane’s landing, the doctors complied with local regulations by giving statements to authorities, as required after an in-flight emergency. Singapore Airlines expressed their condolences to the grieving family and extended gratitude to the medical professionals for their prompt response.

Dr. Wai later urged fellow healthcare providers to respond in similar emergencies, underscoring that their commitment extends far beyond hospital settings.

#Global