Doctor's Heroic Attempt to Save Cancer Patient Who Died During Singapore Airlines Flight

A passenger tragically died aboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ378 from Singapore to Milan on Wednesday, November 5, despite heroic intervention from three doctors and cabin crew members.

Dr. Desmond Wai, a gastroenterologist from Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, was traveling with his family when he responded to an emergency call over the cabin speakers requesting medical assistance.

"Being a doctor, it's my ethical duty to help," Dr. Wai explained when recounting the incident.

Upon reaching the rear of the aircraft, Dr. Wai discovered a middle-aged man collapsed on the floor. The well-prepared cabin crew had already brought an automated external defibrillator (AED), set up a resuscitation trolley, and arranged emergency medications.

Working alongside two other physicians who also responded to the call, Dr. Wai performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and utilized the AED in their desperate attempt to save the passenger, who was reportedly suffering from liver cancer.

Despite their coordinated 30-minute resuscitation effort, the medical team eventually had to make the difficult decision to stop when it became evident their attempts were unsuccessful.

"We saw no progress and we 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 be called and to help as much as we can," Dr. Wai shared.

The passenger's wife, who was accompanying him on the flight, tearfully expressed her gratitude to Dr. Wai, saying, "Thank you, doctor, for trying." The cabin crew also conveyed their appreciation to all the doctors involved.

Following standard procedure for in-flight deaths, the responding doctors provided statements to local authorities upon landing in Milan.

Dr. Wai used this opportunity to encourage fellow medical professionals to respond during similar emergency situations.

Singapore Airlines issued a statement extending condolences to the deceased passenger's family and thanking all who assisted during the emergency, while respecting the family's privacy by withholding additional details.