When Dr. Enoch Opoku Afriyie heard the urgent call for a medical volunteer on a Delta Air Lines flight from Accra to New York in June 2024, his years of emergency medicine training kicked into gear.
The Ghanaian physician, currently pursuing a master’s in public health at Johns Hopkins University, rushed to aid an elderly passenger in cardiac arrest—a scenario he later credited Delta’s preparedness and crew professionalism for turning into a life-saving success.
“Every second counts in a cardiac emergency,” said Dr. Afriyie, an emergency specialist with over a decade of experience. “The crew’s swift response and access to critical medical tools made all the difference. Without their readiness, this story could have ended tragically.”
Delta’s multilayered safety protocols, designed to address in-flight medical crises, came under the spotlight during the incident. The airline equips every aircraft with two Enhanced Emergency Medical Kits (EEMKs) stocked with life-saving medications, diagnostic tools like blood pressure cuffs and pulse oximeters, and automated external defibrillators. Crews are trained to quickly mobilize onboard medical volunteers—often physicians like Dr. Afriyie—while connecting via high-speed Wi-Fi to ground-based emergency physicians through MedLink, a 24/7 medical support service.
Dr. Afriyie emphasized the value of these resources during the emergency. “Having immediate access to equipment like the oximeter and defibrillator was crucial,” he noted. “The crew’s coordination and calm under pressure were exemplary. They followed protocols to the letter, which is vital in such high-stakes situations.”
Delta’s commitment to safety extends beyond equipment. Flight attendants undergo rigorous training to handle medical events, and the airline’s “Red Pouch” contains additional tools tailored for common emergencies, from allergic reactions to respiratory distress. The crew’s ability to swiftly identify and collaborate with qualified medical volunteers—a standard practice—proved pivotal in this case.
Dr. Henry Ting, Delta’s Chief Health Officer, applauded Dr. Afriyie’s intervention. “We’re deeply grateful to him and all medical volunteers who step forward,” Ting said. “Their expertise amplifies our ability to protect passengers and crew, turning our aircraft into extensions of emergency care environments.”
For Dr. Afriyie, the incident underscored the importance of airlines prioritizing medical preparedness, particularly on long-haul routes where emergencies are more likely. “You can’t predict when a crisis will occur at 30,000 feet,” he said. “Delta’s proactive measures—from training to technology—set a benchmark for the industry. It’s reassuring to know they treat passenger safety as non-negotiable.”
As global air travel surges, Delta’s approach offers a blueprint for balancing operational efficiency with passenger well-being. For medical professionals like Dr. Afriyie, it’s a reminder that the skies are becoming safer, one well-executed protocol at a time.
