“Is There a Doctor Onboard?!” Lessons from 30,000 Feet

In movies, when a medical emergency happens mid-flight, a handsome doctor magically appears, performs a flawless intervention, and is met with thunderous applause from the passengers and crew. In real life? Well, let’s just say things are a little less cinematic—especially if you’re caught mid-supper with no idea what’s in the airline’s medical kit.

WORDS DR RAJENDRA RAO RAMALU

FEATURED EXPERT DR RAJENDRA RAO RAMALU Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr Raj Brain, Spine & Pain Clinic Aurelius Hospital Negeri Sembilan Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

A DOCTOR, A FLIGHT, AND AN UNEXPECTED ‘CALL’

August 2024. I was somewhere over the clouds on a Turkish Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul, fully prepared to enjoy my meal, when the announcement came:

“Is there a doctor onboard?”

I hesitated for a second, as one does when their supper is still warm, but stood up to offer my help.

The chief stewardess, who spoke limited English, led me to a middle-aged, obese Polish woman who appeared confused and disoriented. She had briefly lost consciousness and had been dazed ever since.

I immediately sized up the challenge before me: she only spoke Polish, and her husband’s English was only slightly better than my non-existent Polish.

THE DIAGNOSIS DANCE

With no translator and only my wits, I did a quick assessment: no fever, no signs of infection, pulse was regular. So far, so good.

However, her oxygen saturation was a concerning 90% on room air. That’s not so good.

That was when the steward approached me and asked for my ID.

Now, not many doctors carry their hospital ID while they are traveling—certainly not me!

I offered to pull up my credentials online—if they’d just give me Wi-Fi access. No luck.

Instead, I had to wait 10 minutes before they handed me an unfortunately flimsy stethoscope and a proper pulse oximeter to confirm her oxygen levels.

Finally, some real tools in hand!

A DOCTOR GETS TO WORK

I found that her lungs were clear, her blood pressure was 140/90, and, indeed, her oxygen levels were on the low side.

Suspecting a possible pulmonary embolism, I recommended the administering oxygen to the poor lady.

The crew assured me they had enough supply for the remaining 4-hour journey, so I monitored her closely.

Within minutes of receiving oxygen, she perked up, returned to full consciousness, and started speaking Polish at a rapid-fire pace.

Though I still didn’t understand a word, I took that as a good sign!

LESSONS IN MID-AIR MEDICINE

This experience taught me a few important lessons, which I am happy to share with my fellow doctors that are reading this.

#1 Always Have ID or Proof of Credentials

• If you’re the gallant doctor that responds to unexpected emergencies outside of the hospital, keep a digital copy of your medical credentials on your phone.
• Well, that or make sure the airline has Wi-Fi.

#2 The Right Tools Matter

• A good diagnosis starts with good equipment.
• Airlines, if you’re reading this, please invest in decent medical kits and maybe a Littmann stethoscope.

#3 Doctors, Ask for the Medical Kit Immediately

• Don’t assume the crew will know what you need. Just ask.

#4 Rule Out Red Flags

• Chest pain, seizures, difficulties in breathing… if you suspect something serious, you may need to push for an emergency landing.

#5 Talk to the Captain

The flight crew may be great, but medical judgment calls should go straight to the person flying the plane.

#6 Keep Documentation in Order to Cover Your Own Posterior

• Write down everything—symptoms, interventions, vitals. If anything goes sideways, you’ll be glad you did.

#7 Don’t Expect a Free Upgrade

Despite what movies tell you, there’s no first-class seat waiting for you after saving the day. In fact, I didn’t even get my supper back!

Instead, I landed in Istanbul hungry, exhausted, and in my moment of weakness, questioning my life choices.

Still, hey, being a doctor is not about the perks, it’s about doing the right thing. That’s reward enough… or so I keep telling myself!

THE REAL TAKEAWAY

After ensuring the patient was handed off to the medical team in Istanbul, I made my way off the plane, reflecting on the experience.

Sure, I was exhausted and a little hungry, but in the end, that’s just part of the job.

So, the next time you hear “Is there a doctor onboard?” be rest assured. Somewhere in the cabin, a flustered, slightly disheveled doctor will be fumbling for a stethoscope—always stepping up to help, no matter the circumstances.