A Malaysian doctor couple’s quick action helped save a man who suffered an allergic reaction mid-flight from New Zealand to Singapore on 11 May.
The married couple immediately stepped in to provide emergency treatment on board, helping stabilise the passenger and preventing the flight from having to make an emergency diversion.
Incident details
At the time of the incident, Wu Jin Feng and his wife, Tan Pei Jun, overheard an announcement from the cabin crew requesting medical assistance after a male passenger suffered an anaphylactic shock, according to Lianhe Zaobao.
The pair quickly made their way to the passenger, who had been unconscious for about two minutes. On examination, they found that the man’s vital signs were unstable, with a heart rate of just 38 beats per minute, a blood oxygen level at 88%, swollen tongue and lips, and red rashes on his body.
It was reported that the patient had a history of stroke and heart disease, and the doctors also faced challenges due to limited medical equipment on board, including a malfunctioning stethoscope.
The passenger was handed over to airport medical team upon landing
After attempting IV fluids and oxygen support, the man’s condition remained unstable, so the couple decided to administer adrenaline to prevent him from going back into shock.
Fortunately, after the injection, his condition gradually stabilised as the couple coordinated with ground medical teams and continued monitoring him. After landing, the passenger was handed over to the airport medical team for further observation.
About the doctors
Pei Jun is currently undergoing further training at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta in Perak. She has also completed the Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists exams in the United Kingdom and is awaiting her transition into a psychiatric specialist role.
Meanwhile, Jin Feng previously served at Penang General Hospital in Malaysia and is now working in the private sector. Remarkably, this was his third in-flight medical emergency in just 45 days.
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