Airline crew helps save life

Three cabin crew members saved the life of a pasenger who had become seriously ill with chest pains while on a British Midland Airways (bmi) flight from Chicago, Illinois, to Manchester, England, in February.

They used a system called Tempus 2000 Telemedicine to contact the Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, where staff have special training in airborne emergency medical management.

It was the first time ever that someone’s electrocardiogram (ECG) was transmitted live on a commercial aircraft in flight. Doctors on the ground used the information, sent by telephone via satellite, to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Upon landing, the ailing passenger was taken to a Manchester hospital, where he made a full recovery.

British Midland was the first airline in the world to install the Tempus 2000 technology, developed specifically for use by an in-flight airline crew. It monitors and transmits a body’s vital signs. Tempus 2000 is installed on all bmi long-haul flights.

The three bmi crew members were given an outstanding service award by the airline information service OAG.