Chinese Nurse Performs High-Altitude Emergency Rescue on Flight to Ireland

Eircle Report – On December 17, 2024, a Hainan Airlines flight from China to Dublin encountered a medical emergency when a middle-aged Asian woman suddenly collapsed, triggering a life-threatening situation.

Among the passengers was Shuaiqing Jia, an ICU nurse from China, who swiftly responded, initiating an emergency rescue at 10,000 meters to buy crucial time for the patient.

Jia, an ICU nurse at Fenyang Hospital in Shanxi Province, China, is also a master’s student in nursing at the University of Limerick in Ireland. She was on the flight returning to school to attend her graduation ceremony.

Approximately three hours before the plane was due to land in Dublin, a loud thud echoed through the cabin as a passenger collapsed. The cabin crew immediately broadcasted an emergency announcement, calling for any medical personnel on board.

“The moment I heard the announcement, I instinctively stood up, identified myself as an ICU nurse to the flight attendants, and rushed to the passenger’s side,” Jia recalled.

With ten years of ICU experience, she quickly assessed that the patient was in the compensatory phase of shock, indicating a critical condition.

At that moment, a nearby passenger mentioned having nitroglycerin tablets. Jia swiftly took the medication, instructed the flight attendants to provide the patient with high-flow oxygen, and requested a blood pressure monitor. She then directed the patient to place the tablet under her tongue.

“Do not swallow it—let it dissolve under your tongue,” she reminded the patient firmly.

At the same time, she cautioned the flight attendants against moving the patient unnecessarily to prevent further deterioration and asked them to disperse the crowd to ensure proper air circulation.

A few minutes later, the patient let out a faint cough, her complexion slightly improved, and her blood pressure readings confirmed Jia’s initial diagnosis. With this, she finally allowed herself a moment of relief.

For the remainder of the flight, Jia remained by the patient’s side, working closely with the flight attendants to monitor her condition. She regularly checked her level of consciousness, measured her blood pressure several times, ensured a stable oxygen supply, and continuously observed her vital signs until the plane approached Dublin.

Upon learning that medical personnel were waiting on the ground, she felt some reassurance. However, just as she was preparing to gather her belongings and leave, a flight attendant approached her once more with a request.

“Could you stay a little longer and assist with the handover to Dublin’s medical team? You are more professional, and your English is better,” the attendant said sincerely.

Without hesitation, Jia agreed. When the medical team boarded, she provided a detailed report on the patient’s symptoms, treatment administered, and vital sign fluctuations. The seamless handover ensured that the patient could receive immediate and appropriate care upon landing.

At that moment, as a healthcare professional, Jia felt an overwhelming sense of duty and pride—both in saving a life and in upholding the core values of her profession.

Reflecting on the experience, Jia remarked, “Illness knows no borders, nor does our profession. In emergencies, time is life, and I am grateful that I was able to step up and help when it mattered most.”

A month after the incident, the patient and her family reached out to Jia to express their deep gratitude. They shared that just ten minutes after parting ways with her, the patient had collapsed again and was rushed to the hospital, where she remained for a week and required an additional two months of medication.

The hospital’s diagnosis later validated Jia’s initial assessment, further underscoring the urgency and necessity of the swift medical intervention on board. Her rapid response and professional judgment had played a crucial role in securing valuable treatment time for the patient.

Jia emphasized that this experience was not only a testament to her ten years of ICU training at Fenyang Hospital but also a reflection of the knowledge and skills she gained during her year at the University of Limerick. Her education enabled her to communicate effectively with international medical teams, ensuring a smooth transition of care for the patient.

She hopes that by sharing this experience, more people will cherish life, commit to lifelong learning, and be ready to take responsibility when it counts.

“Life never stops, and neither should learning. May we all strive to be people who make a difference in society,” she concluded.

This incident not only highlighted the professional expertise and selfless dedication of a Chinese nurse but also reaffirmed the enduring spirit of humanitarianism—that no matter where we are, the compassion of a healer will always shine as a beacon of hope.