Is There A Doctor On Board?!?

Created by:Dr.
Published:January 15, 2024
Last updated:
Views:2039+

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Reviewed by Dr. , MBBS, MD on .
Next review due: November 2026

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Medical References

This video content is based on current medical evidence and guidelines from authoritative sources:

  1. 1.
    World Health Organization (WHO) - Global Health GuidelinesView Source
  2. 2.
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Evidence-Based GuidelinesView Source
  3. 3.
    National Health Service (NHS) - Clinical StandardsView Source
  4. 4.
    Peer-Reviewed Medical Journals - Latest Research & Clinical Studies(The Lancet, JAMA, NEJM, BMJ)

Transcript

a medical emergency on a flight and they made that call is there a doctor on board and I was faced with a moment like okay do I volunteer do I just stay quiet I don't know what to do but I volunteered and it turned out that a young gentleman was going into anaphylactic shock his throat was closing up D it or an allergy and I wasn't worried I said where where's your EpiPen he said I don't have one I didn't even know I had this allergy so I asked the pilot can we land pilot says well it's an hour and a half back to Canada and an hour to Portugal some Island in Portugal that's not enough time his throat's closing he's going to die in 5 minutes so I'm like what can I do so I opened the plan's emergency kit thinking there's going to be some epinephrine in there or an EpiPen and there's no EpiPen and I'm like okay what do I do now there's no internet when you're over the Atlantic Ocean so there's nothing to Google but I'm finding that there is epinephrine which is the same medicine that is found in an EpiPen in a different formulation in a different dosage for a cardiac arrest so when someone's heart stops we also give the same medicine if they're Flatline if they have a specific Rhythm to try and restart the heart so it's a much thicker needle much longer not those cute little EpiPen needles that just go into the side of your thigh and I said okay well I need to do some rough calculations here and just uh guesstimate here because otherwise he's going to lose his life and right there in the first class cabin we take off his pants we uh inject them with this huge needle he's screaming there's like a little bit of blood coming out I inject the medicine I'm praying that it's working and fast forward that story uh I stayed with him for eight hours for the rest of that flight until he landed Ed we didn't need to divert I checked his blood pressure and pulse every 15 to 30 minutes and uh we saved his life and you think that would be the end of it you're like look at that I did my doctor job and that's it but I went and told that story on YouTube got almost 10 million views if not more now I don't know what it's at and um the Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls from his office or his office calls and says hey uh I'd like to get EP pens on planes can you stand with us and tell us your story to the media yes we tell the story we call on the FAA to make these changes and now 70% of planes I don't know what the exact number is but something like 70% of planes have EP pens on board where that will never have to happen again

FAQ

  • Q: What is anaphylactic shock and how can it be treated?
    A: Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. It can be treated with epinephrine, which is the same medicine used in an EpiPen. In the absence of an EpiPen, other forms of epinephrine, such as epinephrine injectors or tablets, can be used to administer the medication.
  • Q: What is the role of the medical professional in emergency situations on a flight?
    A: Medical professionals on a flight are responsible for providing emergency medical care to passengers in need. In this situation, the doctor on board was expected to take charge of the situation and provide immediate care to the patient.
  • Q: What are the challenges of treating a medical emergency on a flight?
    A: One of the biggest challenges of treating a medical emergency on a flight is the limited availability of medical equipment and supplies, such as EpiPens. Additionally, there may be limited communication options, making it difficult to access medical information or consult with experts.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Sudden confusion or difficulty staying awake
  • Severe or persistent pain
  • Signs of severe allergic reaction

🚨 Call emergency services (112/102) immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

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