Doctor Tries to Save Passenger Who Dies Mid-Flight on Singapore Airlines

A tragic incident occurred aboard a Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to Milan on November 5, when a passenger suffering from liver cancer collapsed mid-flight and could not be revived, despite the valiant efforts of three doctors and the cabin crew.

Dr. Desmond Wai, a gastroenterologist from Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, was on board SQ378 with his family when the cabin crew made an emergency announcement seeking medical assistance. Without hesitation, he stepped forward to help.

“Being a doctor, it’s my ethical duty to help,” said Dr. Wai.

At the back of the aircraft, he found a middle-aged man lying unconscious on the floor while the cabin crew had already prepared an automated external defibrillator (AED) and emergency medication. Alongside two other doctors, Dr. Wai immediately began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and used the AED in an attempt to restart the passenger’s heart.

For nearly 30 minutes, the doctors and crew worked tirelessly together. However, when there was no sign of recovery, Dr. Wai and his team made the difficult decision to stop resuscitation efforts.

“We saw no progress and advised the crew to stop. I’m sorry to say that we failed, but that’s life. Part of a doctor’s life is to help as much as we can,” Dr. Wai said.

The passenger’s wife, who was traveling with him, expressed deep gratitude to the doctors, saying through tears, “Thank you, doctor, for trying.”

After the plane landed, the doctors provided statements to local authorities as per aviation protocol following an onboard fatality. Singapore Airlines extended condolences to the bereaved family and thanked the medical professionals who assisted during the emergency.

Dr. Wai later encouraged other medical professionals to always step up in similar situations, reminding them that a doctor’s duty goes beyond hospital walls.