Lucky Guy! 30+ ER Nurses on Flight Save Passenger
Image Source: Dr. Shawntay Harris via LinkedIn
Imagine needing emergency medical help at 30,000 feet. Frightening, right? But, then imagine you’re surrounded by some of the best emergency nurses in the business.
That’s precisely what happened when a passenger suffered a seizure mid-flight. Lucky for him, an entire squad of emergency nurses were on board, including the incredible Dr. Shawntay Harris, DNP, MBA, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, TCRN, CPEN, CEN, CTRN, CFRN, FAEN.
Dr. Harris, a nurse from Killeen, Texas, and the first Black nurse inducted into the Academy of Emergency Nurses in 2023, was on her way home when the medical crisis unfolded midflight. As the call for help rang through the cabin, she took charge with the confidence and expertise that had earned her a place among the elite in emergency nursing.
A Patient With Extraordinary Luck
The seizing passenger's condition worsened quickly, but Harris wasn’t alone on this flight. She was traveling with 25 to 35 other emergency nurses who had just attended the same conference – Talk about being in the right place at the right time!
Together, this dream team of medical professionals transformed the airplane into a makeshift ER, stabilizing the passenger and ensuring he made it safely to the ground. Their ability to work in sync, without ever having trained together, was a true testament to their skill, adaptability, and commitment to saving lives.
Harris noted the impressive nature of their collaboration, stating, "If you'd witnessed that, you would have never known that we'd never worked together.”1
While the primary focus was on providing medical care to the seizing passenger, Harris and her team also recognized the importance of addressing the emotional needs of others onboard. They offered comfort and reassurance to the patient's anxious family members throughout the ordeal.
A Critical Turn of Events
The situation took a more serious turn when the passenger experienced a second seizure during the flight. This development necessitated an emergency landing in Arkansas to ensure the man received proper medical treatment.
Throughout this intensified crisis, Harris and her team remained focused and determined, continuing to provide critical care to the patient while also managing the logistical challenges of an emergency landing.
The decision to divert the flight underscores the severity of the medical emergency and the crucial role that Harris and her colleagues played in keeping the patient stable until he could receive more comprehensive medical care on the ground.
For Harris, this experience was a powerful reminder of the impact nurses can have, often in the most unexpected circumstances. She expressed her gratitude for being in the right place at the right time, saying, "I am so happy that I was on that plane, and was able to help him have a better outcome, at least to get off of that plane, when it landed, alive.”1
The American Nurse Enterprise also shared the story on social media, lauding Dr. Harris as a healthcare trailblazer, stating “Her excellence paves the way for all future health care heroes.”
One thing’s for sure: if you're ever going to have a medical emergency mid-flight, you’d better hope you’re as lucky as this guy!
🤔Have you ever had to provide medical assistance on a flight? Share your stories in the comment section below.
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