Delta Air Lines prioritizes passenger safety, as illustrated by Dr. Enoch Opoku Afriyie’s experience assisting an elderly passenger during a cardiac arrest on a Delta flight. Trained flight crews are equipped with emergency medical kits and connect with ground-based physicians for assistance, ensuring robust in-flight medical care. Dr. Afriyie praised the professionalism of the crew and the resources available, which played a crucial role in the timely response to the incident.
Delta Air Lines is dedicated to the safety of its passengers, exemplified by the experience of a Ghanaian doctor aboard a flight. Delta’s flight attendants are thoroughly trained to handle in-flight medical situations and are equipped with Enhanced Emergency Medical Kits (EEMK) that include life-saving medications and vital equipment such as an automated blood pressure cuff, a pulse oximeter, a first aid kit, and an automated external defibrillator.
Delta flight crews have the capability to connect with emergency medicine physicians via high-speed Wi-Fi and the MedLink service, which aids in assessing a passenger’s medical condition in real-time. They can also utilize the Red Pouch, which contains additional medical diagnostic tools for common health emergencies. Additionally, crews actively seek assistance from any licensed medical professionals on board during emergencies.
Dr. Enoch Opoku Afriyie, a Ghanaian physician with 11 years of experience and specialized training in emergency medicine, was called upon to assist during a medical crisis on a Delta flight in June 2024. Four hours into the flight from Accra’s Kotoka International Airport to New York’s JFK, an elderly passenger suffered a cardiac arrest, and Dr. Afriyie responded without hesitation.
Dr. Afriyie noted, “If the crew were not swift enough in their response, the man’s life would have been cut short. If an individual has a cardiac arrest, you have to respond within seconds as a physician.” He praised the flight crew for their professionalism and the immediate availability of essential medical tools.
Dr. Afriyie expressed his gratitude for Delta’s preparedness, stating, “I was thoroughly impressed by the flight crew’s response and cooperation. I’m grateful that Delta had things in place when things like this happen.” Dr. Henry Ting, Senior Vice President and Chief Health & Wellness Officer of Delta, commended Dr. Afriyie for his vital assistance during the incident, emphasizing the importance of medical volunteers in enhancing their inflight health response capabilities.
Delta Air Lines demonstrates a profound commitment to passenger safety through the preparedness and training of its crew. The successful intervention by Dr. Enoch Opoku Afriyie highlights the effectiveness of Delta’s safety protocols and resources available on board, ultimately contributing to preventing tragedy during in-flight emergencies. The airline’s proactive measures set a standard for aviation safety and health support.
Original Source: news.delta.com
