Ensuring Passenger Safety: A Ghanaian Physician’s Experience with Delta Air Lines

This article presents Delta Air Lines’ commitment to passenger safety as exemplified by Dr. Enoch Opoku Afriyie, a Ghanaian physician who assisted an elderly passenger during a cardiac arrest on a Delta flight. The response of the flight crew and the availability of essential medical equipment played a key role in this incident. Delta’s comprehensive training and resources reflect their dedication to safety and health during flights.

This article highlights Delta Air Lines’ commitment to passenger safety, illustrated through the experience of Dr. Enoch Opoku Afriyie, a Ghanaian physician. On a June 2024 flight from Accra to New York, Dr. Afriyie aided an elderly passenger suffering from cardiac arrest, emphasizing the importance of timely medical intervention. Delta’s trained flight crew swiftly provided support using well-equipped medical kits and effective communication with emergency physicians through MedLink.

Delta ensures safety with two Enhanced Emergency Medical Kits (EEMK) on every aircraft, featuring life-saving medications, diagnostic tools such as automated blood pressure cuffs and pulse oximeters, first aid kits, and automated external defibrillators. Additionally, the flight crews routinely ask for volunteer medical assistance from passengers who hold medical licenses to handle in-flight medical emergencies.

Dr. Afriyie underscored the crew’s professionalism and responsiveness during the medical event. He stated, “If the crew were not swift enough in their response, the man’s life would have been cut short.” Furthermore, he expressed admiration for the medical tools available, which enhanced his ability to assist effectively. Dr. Afriyie noted, “I was thoroughly impressed by the flight crew’s response and cooperation. I’m grateful that Delta had things in place when things like this happen.”

Dr. Henry Ting, Senior Vice President and Chief Health & Wellness Officer at Delta, recognized Dr. Afriyie’s critical role in providing assistance. He remarked, “It was fortunate to have you on board with us, and we are thankful for the assistance you provided.” Dr. Ting also acknowledged that medical volunteers like Dr. Afriyie greatly enhance Delta’s in-flight emergency response capabilities.

In conclusion, Delta Air Lines exemplifies its dedication to passenger safety through comprehensive training and resources for flight crews and the proactive engagement of medical professionals on board. The swift actions of Dr. Enoch Opoku Afriyie during a life-threatening emergency illustrate the effectiveness of Delta’s emergency protocols and the commendable support provided by the flight crew. Such instances magnify the airline’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of its passengers. Delta’s implementation of Enhanced Emergency Medical Kits and the reliance on trained professionals underscore the importance of preparedness in responding to medical emergencies during flights.

Original Source: news.delta.com