– man had history of Asthma and Hypertension

A MALE passenger between the ages of 50 and 60 years, died after collapsing, while boarding an outgoing American Airlines flight, early Sunday morning, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Reports reaching the Ministry of Public Health indicate that several attempts were made to resuscitate the passenger who was later pronounced dead at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. The ministry says that reports, received from the Port Health Officer, show that best efforts were made by the licenced health care provider on duty to save the passenger’s life.

This refutes a letter to the editor, in Monday’s edition of the Kaieteur News, which stated that the airport had no defibrillator nor staff, appropriately trained, to assist in such an emergency. The ministry says that all necessary protocols were followed and executed in a manner with the hope of a better outcome. The on-duty Port Health Officer had reported the details surrounding the passenger’s death to the health ministry, as required.
Reports indicated that the passenger complained to his wife about feeling unwell on his way to the boarding gate before deciding to utilise his self-care nebuliser since he was asthmatic. It was shortly after that he collapsed, and at 01:30 hours the Port Health Officer received a call from the airport duty office about the emergency. The officer was on the scene by 01:33 hours, equipped with an emergency bag.

It was reported that another passenger had already begun to perform CPR on the unresponsive passenger. The officer then took over and an Automated External Defibrillator was used in an attempt to resuscitate the passenger. He, however, remained unresponsive. The passenger was then transferred to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre for further evaluation and confirmation of unresponsiveness. He was examined by the doctor in charge and subsequently pronounced dead. In addition to being asthmatic, the patient’s medical history indicated that he was also hypertensive. The police have been informed, and an investigation is ongoing. (DPI)