Ibom Air Flight Returns To Abuja After Passenger Falls Ill Midair

A Lagos-bound Ibom Airlines flight made a U-turn to Abuja after a female passenger suffered a medical emergency mid-air, on Sunday.

In a statement by the airline on Thursday, a female passenger experienced a medical emergency shortly after take-off on board Flight 561 from Abuja to Lagos.

According to the airline, the cabin crew had promptly applied the Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure in line with first-aid best practice to resuscitate the passenger.

It was also gathered that the airline had requested assistance from any medical personnel abroad, but to no avail.

“On September 21st, a female passenger experienced a medical emergency shortly after take-off on board Ibom Air Flight 561 from Abuja to Lagos. Our cabin crew, fully trained in handling in-flight medical emergencies, responded swiftly and professionally by administering oxygen, CPR, and other first-aid protocols.

“Before departure, the Senior Cabin Crew Member (SCCM) was notified of a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), travelling with her husband and family.

“Shortly after take-off, and as the crew commenced in-flight service, a medical emergency was reported in the cabin. The SCCM and the team immediately assessed the situation and made a public announcement requesting medical personnel on board, but none were available.

“The crew promptly applied the DRABCDE protocol, Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure in line with first-aid best practice. The passenger, who had no detectable pulse or breathing, was moved to the galley area where CPR and oxygen administration were carried out,” the statement stated.

Speaking further, the airline stated that upon arrival at Abuja Airport, the passenger, who had been successfully resuscitated by the Ibom Air crew, was handed over to the airport’s emergency medical response team for further care.

In accordance with standard safety procedures, Ibom Airline explained that the Captain decided to return to Abuja to ensure the passenger received immediate medical attention. During the flight back, the crew took turns performing chest compressions and providing updates to the Captain until landing.

It added that at the time of transfer, the passenger’s pulse and breathing had been revived, and she was reported stable after which the flight was subsequently turned around and resumed service.

“We also acknowledge the airport medical team for their immediate support on arrival,” Ibom Airline stated.