Airplane Medical Emergency | WE COULDN'T LAND! | Wednesday Checkup

Summary

In this gripping story, Dr. Mike recounts a harrowing flight where he saved a passenger suffering from a severe allergic reaction mid-air. The passenger, experiencing anaphylaxis triggered by a tick bite and a red meat allergy, required urgent medical attention. With limited resources, Dr. Mike used epinephrine from a cardiac arrest kit, preventing a potential disaster. Despite being sleep-deprived, he monitored the passenger's vitals and successfully ensured the flight continued without an emergency landing. Dr. Mike stresses the importance of having EpiPens on planes, urging airlines to prioritize passenger safety in future emergencies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Mike, a YouTube doctor, helped save a passenger during a flight who went into anaphylactic shock.
• 😀 The passenger had an allergic reaction, possibly due to a tick bite that led to a red meat allergy (alpha-gal syndrome).
• 😀 Dr. Mike suspected the allergy was caused by alpha-gal, a sugar found in certain mammals and linked to tick bites.
• 😀 The flight attendants asked for a medical professional, and Dr. Mike responded, despite being sleep-deprived and in casual attire.
• 😀 The passenger was given prednisone and Benadryl, but symptoms escalated, indicating a potential for severe anaphylaxis.
• 😀 In the event of anaphylaxis, Dr. Mike planned to administer epinephrine, but the available epinephrine kit on the plane was not ideal.
• 😀 The epinephrine kit on the plane was meant for cardiac arrest and had a higher dose than typical EpiPens, making it more painful and difficult to use.
• 😀 After a successful epinephrine injection, Dr. Mike carefully monitored the patient's vitals and worked to keep him calm during the flight.
• 😀 The decision was made to continue the flight to Israel after confirming the patient’s vitals were stable, avoiding a costly diversion.
• 😀 The story ends with the patient fully recovering, using an EpiPen, and meeting Dr. Mike in Israel after ten years, highlighting the importance of carrying proper medical equipment like EpiPens on flights.

Q & A

What was Dr. Mike's role on the flight?

Dr. Mike, a physician, was called upon to assist with a medical emergency during a flight to Israel, where a passenger was experiencing anaphylaxis.

What symptoms did the passenger, Matt, experience that indicated an allergic reaction?

Matt started to experience swelling in his hands and hives, signaling an allergic reaction. He had previously experienced a mild allergic reaction the night before.

What caused Matt's allergic reaction during the flight?

Dr. Mike suspected that Matt's reaction was caused by an allergy to red meat, triggered by a tick bite from the Lone Star tick, which can cause a delayed allergic reaction to red meat (alpha-gal allergy).

What was Dr. Mike's plan if Matt's condition worsened?

Dr. Mike was prepared to administer epinephrine (adrenaline) to open Matt's airways and stabilize his blood pressure, and if necessary, perform a cricothyrotomy (emergency incision in the throat) to secure an airway.

What was the issue with the epinephrine kit on the plane?

The epinephrine kit on the plane contained a high-dose injection meant for cardiac arrest, not an EpiPen, which could have been used more easily for anaphylaxis. The higher dose and longer needle posed a risk and were harder to use.

Why was the epinephrine injection painful for Matt?

The epinephrine caused vasoconstriction, which raised Matt's blood pressure but also caused significant pain at the injection site, especially in his leg where the needle was administered.

How did Dr. Mike monitor Matt's condition during the flight?

Dr. Mike continuously monitored Matt's vitals, checking his blood pressure, pulse, and looking for signs of further swelling in his throat. He also checked on Matt every 30 minutes to ensure his condition remained stable.

What decision did Dr. Mike make about landing the plane?

Dr. Mike decided against diverting the flight because Matt’s condition was stable. The airline confirmed that no emergency landing was needed as long as Dr. Mike, a doctor, was in control of the situation.

What did Dr. Mike suggest about the airline's medical preparedness?

Dr. Mike advocated for airlines to include EpiPens on board, as they are easier to use than standard epinephrine kits. He emphasized the need for flight attendants to be trained in using these tools to handle allergic reactions effectively.

How did the story conclude after the flight?

After landing in Israel, Dr. Mike and Matt met again in Jerusalem. Matt had recovered and was continuing his travels, now carrying an EpiPen as a precaution. The incident highlighted the importance of proper medical preparedness in aviation.