Passengers describe desperate bid to save elderly woman who died on US bound flight that diverted to Shannon - The Irish Sun
AN elderly woman has died on a transatlantic flight that diverted to Shannon Airport despite the best efforts of crew and passengers to resuscitate her.
It's understood that a number of people jumped into action when the 71-year-old suffered breathing difficulties on a flight from Germany to the US.
PA:Press Association
The flight was diverted to Shannon Airport
It's believed the woman suffered a 'sudden cardiac arrest'
Passengers described how the cabin crew tried desperately to help the woman after the alarm was raised.
Adam Lisberg said: "It was about 8.00am Newark time (1.00pm Irish time) when I heard a commotion behind me.
"A lot of people jumped up and cabin crew rushed to a passenger. There was also a call for anyone with medical training."
Mr Lisberg, who had been on a work trip to Germany, added: "Several people went to help.
"There was oxygen used and an AED (automatic external defibrillator) which was used at least once. I heard someone call 'clear'."
"A number of people took turns doing CPR for about 30 to 40 minutes but it was obvious it wasn't doing any good.
"The crew did a great job and all those who took turns giving pretty aggressive CPR did too. It's a sad story but everyone did what they could.
Mr Lisberg added: "The pilots also did a great job with the landing under the circumstances."
One passenger told of how people took turns administering CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) for over 30 minutes while a defibrillator was used to deliver at least one shock.
United Airlines flight UA-961 was travelling from Frankfurt, Germany to Newark in the US at the time and had earlier flown through Irish airspace.
The flight was over two hours into its journey when the crew made contact with air traffic controllers in Ireland to advise them of their emergency. The flight turned around and began to route directly to Shannon.
Reuters
The incident occurred on a United Airlines plane
On the ground, authorities implemented procedures for a medical emergency while the National Ambulance Service (NAS) was alerted.
The woman was pronounced dead a short time after the flight landed at 2.09pm.
A Garda spokesman confirmed: "A passenger was pronounced dead after the flight landed at Shannon.
"The local coroner has been notified and the body was removed to University Hospital Limerick where a post-mortem examination will be carried out."
The flight was able to continue its journey to Newark once all paperwork had been completed and the passenger's baggage had been removed in accordance with strict security procedures.
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There were 170 passengers and a crew of 11 on board.
An airline spokeswoman said: "United Flight 961 travelling from Frankfurt to Newark diverted to Shannon due to a medical emergency onboard.
"Medical personnel met the aircraft at the gate. We are deeply saddened to learn that our customer passed away and we are assisting the family."
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