To save a stroke sufferer on MU727, the aircraft of China Eastern Airlines leaving from Beijing for Sydney dumped 17 tons’ fuel and landed emergently Saturday in Saipan of the western Pacific Ocean, eastday.com reported.
It's said that at 21:25, a female on 70D seat called stewards for help as her neighbor, a male passenger suddenly lost consciousness, broke into cold sweat and felt difficulty in breathing. Thanks to a passenger and doctor, the fainted man was diagnosed to have a suspected stroke after quick examination and asking for medical history. An immediate treatment is urgently needed to save his life, suggested by the doctor passenger.
A contingency plan was launched immediately after this emergency was reported to the captain. The aircrew decided to land on Saipan, the nearest airport and also a familiar landing site for the aircrew, gaining the support and understanding from other passengers. Also, the aircraft dumped nearly 17 tons' fuel to guarantee a safe landing in Saipan.
The disease-stricken passenger was sent to the hospital for in-time medical service after the plane landed safely on Saipan. He was later diagnosed having a stroke and losing feeling of the right part, said a doctor. Now, the man remains in hospital under observation.
For other passengers on MU727, they are reported to board on another aircraft from China Eastern Airlines in no more than two hours later, and leave for their destination Sydney.
China Eastern Airlines has won wide praise for its effective and quick response to this emergency, and sincere thanks from the families of the stroke-hit passenger. Though the company is reportedly having lost up to 100 thousand yuan to deal with this case, it sets a good example of putting passengers' life first, and shows its professionalism and responsibility.
