Doctor Tries to Save Passenger Who Dies Mid-Flight: "My Ethical Duty"

A doctor on a Singapore Airlines flight responds to an in-air medical emergency when a fellow passenger collapses. Despite limited equipment, turbulence, and the constraints of being mid-flight, the doctor works with the cabin crew to perform life-saving measures. Sadly, the passenger does not survive. The doctor later reflects on the emotional weight of the experience and explains that, even with tragic outcomes, answering the call remains a fundamental ethical duty of the medical profession.

Working with two other physicians, Dr Desmond Wai took turns delivering chest compressions and administering electric shocks from the onboard defibrillator, fighting to restart the man’s heart.

On a recent Singapore Airlines journey, a male passenger lost his life despite determined efforts by three doctors on board and flight attendants, according to CNA. Later reports indicated the traveller had been battling liver cancer. The medical emergency unfolded on flight SQ378 from Singapore to Milan on Wednesday, November 5.

Dr Desmond Wai, a gastroenterology specialist from Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, had simply been en route to a family holiday in Milan when a call for medical assistance crackled over the cabin speakers. He immediately rose from his seat and walked towards the source of the emergency.

He explained that, as a medical professional, he feels a strong moral responsibility to respond whenever someone is in urgent need of care.

At the back of the aircraft, he found a man in mid-life lying on the cabin floor, already surrounded by crew members who had an automated external defibrillator ready. A resuscitation kit and emergency drugs had been laid out, turning the rear galley into a makeshift treatment area.

Joined by two other doctors, Dr Wai began full cardiopulmonary resuscitation while they also deployed the defibrillator, trying repeatedly to restore a pulse. The trio coordinated with the well-prepared cabin crew, who assisted swiftly throughout the crisis. After about half an hour of continuous attempts, they accepted that the passenger could not be brought back and advised that resuscitation be stopped.

Dr Wai later shared that they saw no signs of improvement and ultimately had to acknowledge the limits of what they could do at 35,000 feet. He said that part of being a doctor is answering the call, doing everything possible, and sometimes having to live with heartbreaking outcomes.

The man’s wife, travelling beside him on the long-haul flight, was distraught but still took a moment to thank Dr Wai for his efforts, expressing her gratitude through tears. Cabin crew members also voiced their appreciation to all three doctors who stepped in. Once the plane landed, the medical volunteers were required to give formal statements to local authorities, as is routine when a death occurs during a flight.

Dr Wai later urged other healthcare workers never to hesitate if a similar situation arises, stressing how vital it is for trained professionals to step forward in emergencies.

Singapore Airlines, in its statement, extended its sympathies to the bereaved family. The airline also acknowledged and thanked the passengers and medical staff who helped during the incident, adding that it would not release more information out of respect for the family’s privacy.

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Source: NDTV‍