The renowned television doctor, Dr. Mehemet Cengiz Oz, better known as Dr. Oz, was instrumental in assisting a fellow passenger who became unresponsive during a JetBlue flight from New York-JFK to Los Cabos.
A timely intervention
The event unfolded aboard JetBlue Flight 939, the sole direct service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), operated by an Airbus A320. On this particular Friday, Dr. Oz, in route to a wedding, responded to the crew’s urgent request for medical assistance and attended to the stricken passenger.
Captured on video by another traveler and later shared with TMZ, Dr. Oz is seen administering aid to the individual who was experiencing fluctuating levels of consciousness. Speaking with TMZ, Dr. Oz recounted:
“[The] passenger, a seemingly fit middle-aged man, suddenly became unresponsive. We conducted a standard triage including a physical examination and checking his vital signs. With the administration of oxygen and orange juice, and after some time, he regained consciousness and will need a thorough follow-up with his doctor.”
Following the intervention, Dr. Oz reported that the passenger’s condition had markedly improved. According to reports from witnesses to TMZ, Dr. Oz even offered his personal contact details to the man for any further assistance post-flight.
The administered care involved oxygen – which Dr. Oz referred to as “the most effective medication we use” – and orange juice to potentially address low blood sugar levels.
A history of heroism
This is not the first instance of Dr. Oz applying his medical skills in an emergency. Three years prior, he was pivotal in saving an individual who collapsed at Newark Liberty International Airport’s (EWR) baggage claim area.
Reportedly having no pulse at the scene, the individual received immediate aid from Dr. Oz after his daughter sought help. Amidst onlookers’ surprise and admiration, Dr. Oz utilized an emergency defibrillator for resuscitation.
Assisted by an officer from the Newark Port Authority police, he performed CPR and secured the man’s airway for unobstructed breathing. Reflecting on his actions during an interview, Dr. Oz emphasized: “As doctors and as humans, we are obliged to intervene in medical crises.”
Both individuals were indeed fortunate that Dr. Oz was present in their times of need.
In-flight medical incidents
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that before the pandemic, one out of every 604 flights experienced a medical emergency, commonly involving respiratory distress, fainting spells, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
While such incidents rarely necessitate flight diversions – occurring only 10% of the time – diversions typically relate to severe conditions like heart attacks, strokes, or obstetric/gynecological complications.
To manage such emergencies effectively, the Federal Aviation Administration requires flights to be equipped with:
• An FDA-approved automated external defibrillator (AED)
• A standard first-aid kit
• An emergency medical kit (EMK) for every 50 passengers
Despite frequent medical emergencies during flights, fatalities are exceedingly rare, accounting for only 0.3% of cases.
Source: Simplyfliying
