MONTREAL- Air Canada (AC) flight AC861 from London Heathrow (LHR) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) became the scene of a dramatic in-flight medical emergency when a passenger suffered severe food poisoning mid-air recently.
The man required IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, and even morphine, administered by an off-duty doctor who stepped in to help.
According to PYOK, the ordeal lasted nearly six hours at 35,000 feet, during which the sick passenger was stabilized thanks to the efforts of both the cabin crew and the selfless actions of Dr. Adam.
His story has since gone viral on Reddit, highlighting the importance of off-duty medical professionals on commercial flights.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrAir Canada Passenger Food Poisoning
What started as a routine international flight turned harrowing for one passenger. Around three and a half hours into Air Canada (AC) flight AC861, the man was suddenly struck with severe food poisoning.
Symptoms escalated rapidly to vomiting, diarrhea, and unbearable pain. Alone in economy class, he described it as one of the most intense and frightening experiences of his life.
Flight attendants, trained to handle basic medical issues, immediately paged for medical assistance over the cabin speakers.
Fortunately, a passenger named Dr. Adam responded without hesitation. According to the sick traveler, the physician’s calm demeanor and rapid action were critical in managing the escalating situation.
Dr. Adam administered IV fluids and anti-nausea medications from the plane’s emergency medical kit.
As the pain became overwhelming, he resorted to morphine, an opioid available onboard but restricted for use by licensed healthcare professionals only. The passenger began shaking uncontrollably at one point, indicating the severity of the illness.
In a selfless act, Dr. Adam gave up his Business Class seat, allowing the ailing passenger to lie flat and rest in greater comfort.
The decision proved crucial as the medications took effect and the man stabilized during the remaining hours of the flight.
The sick passenger later shared that he tried to express gratitude, but Adam was clearly not seeking acknowledgment, just helping where help was needed.
By the time the flight reached Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the immediate danger had passed, thanks to the swift coordination between the cabin crew and the doctor onboard.
Photo: Clément AlloingMedical Support Onboard Flights
Airlines, including Air Canada, cannot predict whether a trained medical professional will be on any given flight.
In emergencies, off-duty doctors, nurses, or paramedics often become crucial assets. They are never obligated to assist but may choose to do so if willing and capable.
Airline policies and gold-standard liability protections typically cover any medical intervention they provide.
Commercial aircraft are equipped with comprehensive medical kits containing medications and tools that only licensed professionals can use.
These include opioids like morphine, anti-nausea agents, and IV fluids, all administered in this incident.
Cabin crew also communicates with satellite with emergency medical teams on the ground.
These services assist in real-time decision-making, advising whether an aircraft should continue its route or divert based on the passenger’s condition.
Photo: By Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland – Air Canada Boeing 777-200LR; C-FNND@HKG;04.08.2011/615or, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26645220Bottom Line
The Air Canada cabin crew, following standard protocol, handled the emergency with composure and efficiency.
The situation underscores the critical role of in-flight training, proper equipment, and collaborative effort between flight crew and passengers.
Although rare, such incidents reveal how vulnerable travelers can be at cruising altitude and the importance of quick access to professional medical care, even if by sheer chance.
Featured Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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