St Vincents Private Hospitals

St Vincent's surgeon responds to mid-air emergency

Dr Hamish Urquhart answers the call at 40,000 feet

The ABC has reported on a story featuring St Vincent’s colorectal surgeon Dr Hamish Urquhart.

While en route from London to Sydney aboard Qantas Flight QF2 Dr Urquhart found himself at the center of an in-flight medical emergency. A female passenger in her 60s suffered a significant cardiac event mid-flight. Dr Urquhart, alongside two other medical professionals, provided immediate assistance. 

"The lady was really quite unwell and needed intravenous access while we were trying to land, which was a bit challenging," Dr Urquhart recounted.

The situation necessitated a diversion of the Airbus A380 to Baku, Azerbaijan. "In the air it was a bit stressful as we were flying towards Afghanistan," he added.

Upon landing, the passenger was transported to a nearby hospital. Dr Urquhart noted the rarity of such an aircraft at the airport: "Everyone seems to be taking it in their stride which is nice to see. People realised the lady was very unwell."

Dr Urquhart's prompt and professional response exemplifies the dedication and expertise of our St Vincent’s medical staff, even beyond the hospital setting.