But for the swift intervention of a Ghanaian medical doctor by name Dr. Joyce Emefa Addo-Klah, who was aboard KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KL 589 ( Accra-bound from Amsterdam) the worse could have happened o
A passenger ( name withheld) suddenly developed an emergency on the Accra-bound KL 589 flight about 4 hours into the flight from Amsterdam. An emergency announcement by a cabin crew member calling for any doctor on the flight saw the Ghanaian doctor quickly responding to the call by immediately grabbing her bag from the over-head compartment of the passenger seat which appeared to contain her personal medical tools/equipment.
It appears the doctor was traveling prepared for any emergency on the flight. She quickly dashed to attend to the emergency while her husband ( whom we gathered is also a medical doctor / Obstetrics/Gynaecology Specialist) with whom she was travelling held on to their son. Dr. Addo-Klah was seen quickly assessing the patient and stabilising the patient with an injection from the emergency kit provided by the cabin crew.
The patient was subsequently moved to the business class area after stabilisation for continuous monitoring by the doctor and also out of other passengers’ view to lessen the flight’s fear and tension.
Her swift response, professionalism and calmness in the face of the emergency allayed the fears of many passengers on the flight who panicked after the emergency announcement/ call for a doctor was made on the flight. She appeared to be in good control of the situation.
Patient remained stable after intervention until the flight finally landed at destination.
The cabin crew expressed profound appreciation to Dr. Joyce Emefa Addo-Klah for her professionalism and explanation of management every step of the intervention to the cabin crew who provided her with an emergency medical kit/ box to aid her management of the patient mid-air.
Ghanaian doctors continue to shine wherever they are on the planet, a continuous testament to their knowledge and ability to work efficiently in any given environment.
Kudos to Dr. Joyce Emefa Addo-Klah whom we gathered practices at the Luccahealth Medical Center in East Legon, Accra.
By way of appreciation, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines gave her a treat on board and offered her an airline ticket discount package for her next flight with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Kudos Dr. Joyce Emefa Addo-Klah for her intervention.
There have been reported incidents across the world of passengers losing their lives mid-air on flights due to medical emergencies which emphasises the need for medical professionals on flights. In this case, the passenger was fortunate to have a knowledgeable and skilled medical doctor aboard the flight.
Insert: Crew Captain Romkens and an airhostess in an appreciation photo with Dr. Joyce Emefa Addo-Klah
Credit: Eyewitness
