An Ibom Air flight from Abuja to Lagos was forced to return to base on September 21 after a female passenger suffered a medical emergency shortly after takeoff.
The flight, designated as Flight 561, had departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja when the passenger’s condition deteriorated, prompting the captain to make the decision to return to Abuja.
The passenger, who had reduced mobility, suddenly lost pulse and breathing, prompting the crew to administer oxygen and perform chest compressions. “The SCCM and the team immediately assessed the situation and made a public announcement requesting medical personnel onboard, but none was available,” the airline reported.
The crew applied the DRABCDE protocol, a standard first-aid procedure, which includes Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. The passenger was moved to the galley area where CPR and oxygen administration were carried out. Thanks to the crew’s prompt actions, the passenger’s pulse and breathing were revived, and she was reported stable.
Upon arrival at Abuja Airport, the passenger was handed over to the emergency medical response team for further care. “Upon arrival, the passenger, who had been successfully resuscitated by the Ibom Air crew, was handed over to the airport’s emergency medical response team for further care,” the airline stated.
Ibom Air commended the professionalism of its crew and the swift intervention of Abuja airport’s medical team. “The flight was subsequently turned around and resumed service to Lagos,” the airline noted.