Experts from Hong Kong give tips for medical emergencies on airplanes

The flight crew on a Cathay Pacific Airways flight from Hong Kong to Mumbai rushed to provide first aid when a 71-year-old German passenger collapsed shortly before takeoff. After being taken to hospital, the man was pronounced dead.

In light of the death, which followed a similar incident last week, The Washington Post is revising policies for cabin crew and passengers when serious injuries, illnesses or deaths occur on an aircraft.

1. Do such incidents occur frequently?

Local media reported last Wednesday that a plane was forced to land in Hong Kong when a 47-year-old Vietnamese woman fainted on the flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Seoul. She was pronounced dead after being taken to North Lantau Hospital.

Five years earlier, a 44-year-old woman lost consciousness on a flight to Hong Kong and was taken to the same hospital near the airport. She was later pronounced dead.

2. What should I do if I feel very sick on a flight?

The chairman of the Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association, Paul Weatherilt, urged all passengers who become seriously ill during a flight to inform the cabin crew, as this is the most important thing.