Healthcare worker on Southwest Airlines responds to a passenger’s emergency, only to find the ‘palest woman’ she’s ever seen: ‘Lucky passenger’
Being a medical professional on a flight can be complicated during a medical emergency. One reason for this complexity is the high pressure placed on the individual to quickly identify the problem and find a solution. While this can be daunting for someone who is unprepared for such situations, it can also negatively impact them if they are unable to act as expected, leading to frustration among those involved or their family and friends.
TikTok user @nursemirandashea had no choice but to respond to the crew’s calls for help on the Southwest Airlines flight she was taking with her daughter when they asked about medical personnel after a passenger passed out. In the TikTok she posted on July 14, 2024, she mentioned that she was initially hesitant to respond because she was caring for her young, mischievous daughter and expected other medical professionals to be on board. However, when she saw no one else who could assist, she turned on the light above her seat and stepped forward to help.
TikTok user @nursemirandashea was the only healthcare personnel on a Southwest flight
As previously mentioned, TikTok user @nursemirandashea, whose full name is Miranda Shea, wasn’t eager to help a person who had passed out on a Southwest Airlines flight she was on, as she already had a lot on her plate with her child, who was traveling with her and being very naughty. However, when she found out that no other medical personnel were available on the flight, she decided to step in and assist. A kind mother sitting in the next seat, who was also with her kids, volunteered to watch Miranda’s child, giving Miranda the chance to go to the back of the plane, where the person needing medical help was located, without having to worry much about her child.
As she arrived at the scene, crew members informed Miranda that the passenger had passed out while they were in the bathroom. She was also told by the crew that they didn’t have much information about the individual, except that she was a 22-year-old female. Recalling looking at her, Miranda said in her TikTok video that she was the “palest woman” she had ever seen in her life. She also explained that she asked the woman if she was okay and what was happening, but she remembers the woman being dazed, “as though she can’t hear” her. Miranda then mentions in the video that she asked the flight attendants about the supplies available to them and whether it was possible to lay the patient flat on the floor, as she might pass out again. Although they had medical supplies, most of which had not been used before, including the kit, which was unopened, they refused to put the woman who had passed out on the floor. Somehow, Miranda managed to get a pulse oximeter working, but it also didn’t read her vitals because the woman had long nails. Ultimately, she used her own blood pressure cuff and stethoscope. The woman’s blood pressure was 70 over 38, and her heart rate appeared normal on the stethoscope. Miranda then discusses trying to determine possible reasons for the passenger’s fainting, and while several factors could have played a role, she suspected blood loss from her heavy and painful periods. She also asked when she last ate, and the woman replied it was at 6 am, which was a long time since it was now noon. Miranda instructed the flight attendants to give the woman some juice, followed by protein, and ensure she’s in a wheelchair when the plane lands. She concludes her video by praising the Southwest Airlines crew for their help and support.
TikTok user @nursemirandashea’s story has gained significant traction
Flight experience stories are always popular on TikTok, and @nursemirandashea’s case was no exception. Her TikTok video, where she shares her experience of being the only healthcare worker on a Southwest flight, has so far gathered over 500 thousand views along with thousands of likes, shares, and saves. User @ritamick818 commented, “You’re very humble. Lucky passenger.” User @chaptern3xt said, “You helped someone else’s daughter and someone helped your daughter. I’m sure her mom is incredibly grateful for you.”
User @diamondaudrey added, “You absolutely helped her!! Your assessment determined she needed more than a cinnamon roll 9 hours ago. You helped calm her and got her juice and protein.” User @tararahe wrote, “Amazing work mama /nurse. You rock. Kudos to the other mom and flight attendants!! Also, as an Rt some good information for you. Turn the pox sideways on acrylic nails so it’s not reading thru nail.”
How common are medical emergencies on flights?
A paper on PubMed Central reports that in-flight medical emergencies are fairly frequent, with approximately 1 in 604 flights experiencing such an event. Syncope is the most common, making up 25% to 37.4% of these cases and causing 70% of flight diversions.
Furthermore, a study by Duke Health researchers examined over 77,000 in-flight medical incidents reported to the world’s busiest airline medical support center. The results indicate that although most cases are minor, thousands of passengers needed hospital treatment after landing, while hundreds either died or caused the flight to divert.
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