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The role of cabin crew in safety was underscored on September 21st when Ibom Air crew administered life-saving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, CPR, to revive a passenger midair.
According to Ibom Air, the incident occurred onboard Flight 561 from Abuja to Lagos. Shortly after take-off, a female passenger travelling with her husband and family suffered a sudden medical crisis.
Senior Cabin Crew Member (SCCM) had earlier been notified of the passenger as a Person with Reduced Mobility (PRM). When the emergency escalated, the SCCM and team immediately assessed the situation and requested medical personnel onboard. However, none was available.
“Our crew promptly applied the DRABCDE protocol, Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure, in line with first-aid best practice,” an Ibom Air statement read.
The passenger, who had no detectable pulse or breathing, was moved to the galley. Here, the crew administered oxygen and performed Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), alternating chest compressions until signs of life returned.
In line with standard safety procedures, the Captain made the decision to return the aircraft to Abuja. During the diversion, the crew took turns performing chest compressions while providing updates to the flight deck.
On arrival, the revived passenger was handed over to the airport’s emergency medical response team. “At the time of transfer, the passenger’s pulse and breathing had been restored, and she was reported stable,” Ibom Air confirmed.
The airline stressed that passenger safety remains its highest priority. “We commend our cabin crew for their swift, professional response in saving a life,” Ibom Air added.
The management also acknowledged the emergency medical team at Abuja airport for their immediate assistance.
Aviation experts note that such situations highlight the critical training cabin crew receive in medical emergencies. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), CPR performed within minutes of cardiac arrest can double or triple survival chances.
This latest midair rescue adds to Ibom Air’s record of safety consciousness and reinforces the importance of first-aid readiness in flight operations.
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