Cabin staff perform CPR on unconscious woman during Lagos-bound journey as captain makes emergency return to Abuja
Ibom Air cabin crew successfully resuscitated an unconscious female passenger who collapsed during a domestic flight from Abuja to Lagos on September 21, the airline confirmed yesterday.
The dramatic mid-air medical emergency unfolded aboard Flight 561 shortly after departure from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, forcing the captain to execute an immediate return to base whilst crew members battled to save the woman’s life.
According to the airline’s statement, the passenger—identified as a Person with Reduced Mobility travelling with her husband and family—lost consciousness and showed no detectable pulse or breathing during the early stages of the flight.
The Senior Cabin Crew Member immediately initiated emergency protocols, making a public announcement requesting medical personnel amongst passengers. When none came forward, the trained crew took matters into their own hands.
“The crew promptly applied the Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure protocol in line with first-aid best practice,” the airline stated.
The unconscious passenger was moved to the galley area where crew members administered oxygen therapy and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Following standard safety procedures, the flight captain turned the aircraft around to ensure the passenger received urgent medical attention on the ground.
Throughout the return journey, crew members took turns performing chest compressions whilst providing regular updates to the cockpit. Their sustained efforts proved successful—by the time Flight 561 touched down in Abuja, the passenger’s pulse and breathing had been restored.
Airport emergency medical response teams met the aircraft upon arrival and took over the woman’s care. At the point of handover, she was reported to be in stable condition.
The incident highlights the importance of comprehensive medical training for airline staff. Ibom Air’s cabin crew receive specific instruction in handling in-flight medical emergencies, including CPR certification and the use of onboard medical equipment.
Passenger medical emergencies, whilst relatively uncommon, pose significant challenges for airline crews operating at cruising altitude with limited medical resources. The successful outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of proper training protocols and swift decision-making under pressure.
The airline has not released further details about the passenger’s condition or the specific medical circumstances that led to her collapse. Flight 561 was subsequently rescheduled to complete its original Lagos destination.
This marks another example of Nigerian aviation professionals rising to exceptional circumstances, with the Ibom Air crew’s quick thinking and medical intervention potentially preventing a tragedy at 30,000 feet.
