Indexing Title: MJCABAHUG’s Medical Anecdotal Report [06-1] 

MAR Title:  FLIGHT PR 181 

Date of Medical Observation:  DECEMBER 2005 

Narration

It was Christmas time.  I was so excited to see my family who were living away in the province. I missed my daughter so much and was longing to be with my wife who was about to deliver our second child. And to add to that, I’ll be free from the worries and stress of the hospital, even just for a week.

            I took an early flight after a 24-hour duty. When we took off, I started daydreaming. I was so excited and was hoping that our unborn child will be a baby boy this time. I said to myself, this will be the best gift I will ever receive this Christmas.  The flight was generally fine except for a single turbulence that we experienced. 

            At some point, I felt the need to go to the comfort room.  Then something unexpected happened.  While I was inside, I heard the paging system looking for a doctor on board.  I asked myself why would they be looking for a doctor. What could have possibly happened? When I heard it again, my good conscience dictated me.  I went out and asked a flight attendant what was going on. He directed me to another flight attendant who was talking to a 54-year-old male passenger.  She told me that the passenger wanted oxygen.  Before she would drop off the oxygen masks and so as not to startle other passengers, she wanted me to check on the patient first.  I did a fast history-taking and physical examination. The patient had a cardiac surgery (coronary artery by-pass) 3 months prior and on his way to a vacation. 

              He had a portable pulse oximeter with him.  He told me that the reading was 84 percent oxygen saturation prior to our conversation and he needed oxygen.  Luckily the plane was equipped with a blood pressure apparatus and a stethoscope. I checked on his vital signs and was normal. I asked him to check again for his oxygen saturation and this time the reading was 98 percent.  The passenger smiled to the flight attendant and said, he will not be needing oxygen anymore. I sat with the patient for the rest of the flight and made sure he was feeling fine.

Insights (Physical, Psychosocial, Ethical) (Discovery, Stimulus, Reinforcements)

At the time we took our oath as doctors we already pledged to respond to the needs of our fellow men. It is a responsibility we could not get away with.

Sometimes, it can be in the most unexpected time and place.

            What happened to me in my flight was a first. I must admit that I was hesitant to acknowledge to the call because I was unaware of what I am going to see. But still I responded because I was duty-bound.

I would say that FLIGHT PR 181 is unforgettable. It taught me one thing…. WHEN DUTY CALLS, YOU HAVE TO RESPOND!!!

            It could happen ANYTIME, ANYWHERE and to ANYONE.