Uzbek doctor save Korean-American woman in midair medical emergency

An Uzbek doctor and fellow passengers have been credited with saving the life of a Korean-American woman who suffered a severe medical emergency aboard a flight from Uzbekistan to South Korea.

The Oct. 11 incident gained widespread attention after accounts of the midair rescue began circulating on social media on Oct. 14.

According to Maeil Business, a social media user reported that the woman showed signs of severe shock, with her diastolic blood pressure dropping to just 20.

A photo circulating on social media shows an Uzbek doctor assit a Korean-American woman who fell ill during a flight from Uzbekistan to South Korea on Oct. 11, 2026.

It was later identified the physician who treated the woman as Kamilov Hasan Bakhriddinovich, a 43-year-old Uzbek otolaryngologist, or ENT doctor.

Hasan was traveling to South Korea for annual medical training at Chungbuk National University Hospital when the emergency occurred.

"I got up from my seat within 0.5 seconds," said Hasan, who is in his 16th year of practice.

"I knew that even a small delay could lead to complications involving the body and brain. As a doctor, I felt I had to respond as quickly as possible and provide emergency treatment," he told The Korea Herald.

Doctor Kamilov Hasan Bakhriddinovich stands in front of the Chungbuk National University Hospital. Photo from the hospital

Hasan spent about 15 minutes treating the woman, utilizing a blood pressure monitor he carried in his backpack and administering a dexamethasone injection alongside intermittent oxygen.

Other passengers stepped in to help by offering water, candy, chocolate, pillows, and blankets, while flight attendants assisted in stabilizing the situation.

Although the pilot was preparing to make an emergency landing, Hasan's swift intervention allowed the plane to reach Seoul safely without diverting.