When there’s no doctor on board: Ex-healthcare worker steps up to put IV line in sick SIA steward at 35,000 feet

The former medical professional established an IV line and administered anti-nausea medication to the ill SIA cabin crew member. — Picture from Xiahongshu/Nicole K

First Published: Sunday, 25 Oct 2026 7:13 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Oct 25 — A former healthcare worker came to the aid of a cabin crew member who required medical attention on a Singapore Airlines flight on Oct 17.

The incident occurred at about 7pm onboard SQ843 from Chengdu, China, to Singapore, according to Shin Min Daily News.

In a Xiaohongshu post on Wednesday (Oct 21), user Nicole K shared that announcement was made asking for assistance from medical personnel onboard the flight not long after takeoff.

The plane had earlier departed from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport at around 6.32pm, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.

The woman wrote how she was hesitant about stepping forward as she assumed there must be other doctors onboard the flight.

She added that she was also scared since she had not worked in an emergency room (ER) for a long time.

When a second announcement was made, she reconsidered and stepped in to offer assistance.

She saw a young cabin crew member lying weakly on the floor and went over to check his pulse.

The woman said that she could feel his pulse, although it was very weak.

She also noted that his hands and feet felt cold.

The groggy man could barely speak and answer her properly, only saying that he felt nauseous.

Grateful her years in the ER were put to use

The woman requested for a stethoscope from the cabin crew and asked for their assistance to check the man’s blood pressure, oxygen levels and blood sugar before she could reassess him.

She assessed that he required an intravenous, or IV, drip for medicine.

“His veins are hard to find, let me try first,” she said to the cabin crew, telling them to prepare extra catheters on standby.

The woman established an IV line on her first attempt, adding that she was grateful that all her years working in the ER had not gone to waste.

She then administered anti-nausea medication to him and continued to monitor his condition.

After 30 minutes, she observed that the man’s condition had stabilised with a stronger pulse and lower heart rate.

She noted that it was only 8.30pm and that they were expected to land in three hours.

The woman then decided to stay by the ill man’s side, observing him until they landed.

She said she only breathed a sigh of relief after handing him over to the medical team on the ground.

“Huge thanks to the Singapore Airlines crew for this rescue mission,” wrote the woman.

“Without a familiar medical team on the plane, everything had to be communicated step-by-step, but they were super cooperative — helping [to] find equipment and caring for the patient.”

She admitted that she was also proud of herself for stepping up, even though she was nervous.

The post has amassed over 12,000 likes on Xiahongshu, with 550 comments commending the woman for her courage.

One passenger also commented that she was onboard the flight when she heard the announcement and realised there was an emergency.

“Seeing you step forward was incredibly reassuring ... Knowing there was professional medical personnel onboard made me feel much more at ease. Thank you so much for your courage and kindness,” commented the passenger. — AsiaOne