Chinese nurse praised for treating passenger on flight to Ireland

Chinese nurse Jia Shuaiqing recently garnered widespread attention in Ireland for her heroic act of saving a passenger on an international flight.

Last month the anonymous passenger, around 50 years old, and her family members traveled to the University of Limerick's Postgraduate Students' Union to meet and express their gratitude to Jia, who is studying there.

"I was deeply moved and very happy to have met her. She helped me with great enthusiasm," the female passenger said.

The incident occurred on Dec 17, on Hainan Airlines flight HU751 from Beijing Capital Airport to Dublin Airport when the passenger collapsed after exiting the restroom. The crew immediately broadcast a call for medical assistance.

At that moment, 34-year-old Jia, a nurse from Fenyang Hospital in Fenyang, Shanxi province, identified herself as a medical professional and rushed to the passenger's aid. "I was resting in the last row and heard the commotion. I was very close by," Jia said. "I crouched in front of her to check her vital signs. Her face was extremely pale, and her limbs were cold and clammy."

Jia suspected the patient was experiencing a heart attack, but there were still about three hours before the plane would land in Dublin.

With the assistance of a passenger who offered nitroglycerin, Jia quickly administered the medication, directed the crew to provide high-flow oxygen, and fetched a blood pressure monitor. She advised the patient to place the medication under her tongue without swallowing, ensuring it dissolved slowly.

Jia also advised the crew against moving the patient unnecessarily to prevent exacerbating her condition and asked nearby passengers to disperse to ensure proper air circulation.

"I was particularly worried about cardiac arrest, so I kept giving her oxygen. Once she regained consciousness, I continuously checked her condition, monitored her blood pressure and ensured a steady oxygen supply," Jia said.

A few minutes later, the patient coughed slightly, and her complexion improved. Jia continued to monitor her vital signs until the plane reached Dublin.

Jia was traveling to Ireland for her master's graduation ceremony in nursing, and her high-altitude rescue was a testament to her dedication.

Upon meeting Jia at the university, the patient's family expressed their gratitude, saying, "Thank you for saving my sister's life."

Jia learned from the family that after landing, the patient fainted again but received timely emergency care from medical professionals on the ground. She was hospitalized for a week, and the hospital's diagnosis confirmed Jia's initial assessment.

"As a nurse, especially one in respiratory and critical care, the rescue was instinctual, just like in my daily work," Jia said.

Her actions have been widely reported in Chinese and Irish media, earning widespread acclaim.

Influenced by her family's medical background, Jia entered the nursing program at Shanxi Medical University in 2009.

"Disease knows no borders, and neither does our profession. I'm grateful I could step up and help someone in need," Jia said.

Contact the writers at zhuxingxin@chinadaily.com.cn