Off-duty paramedic Gareth Lines of Portsmouth, England, was on his way home from a bachelor party when stepped in to save a man's life aboard a flight from Thailand to Heathrow. He heard a commotion in the plane's cabin and initially thought a passenger had collapsed, but soon realized the severity of the situation: a man had attempted suicide in the airplane bathroom and his heart had stopped. Calling on his training, the paramedic administered CPR for over half an hour.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Lines was able to stabilize the passenger’s vitals through CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator and the plane’s oxygen mask. After being in cardiac arrest for more than 30 minutes, the passenger's heart began beating again. The rescue effort was helped by the competent assistance of the airline staff and a smooth landing by the pilot.
In the wake of the harrowing situation, Lines is stressing the importance of CPR training for everyone, highlighting that quality CPR can potentially save lives before emergency services arrive. EVA Air confirmed the incident and praised the quick response of their flight attendants and Lines. Upon landing in London, the passenger was transferred to the hospital for further medical care.
Source: METRO UK