Beware of Long Airline Flights!!!

[William3rd]

I witnessed what may have been a death on the air trip back from Thailand this week. What is especially disconcerting is that it can happen to anyone and this guy was only about 40.

The outbound flight had been almost 17 hours and the return was going to be mercifully shorter due to favorable tailwinds.

About 12 hours into the 14 hour flight a gentleman in the row behind me suddenly started coughing uncontrollably. He had been quiet on the flight, never leaving his seat.

Shortly thereafter, he began to vomit uncontrollably. About an hour before landing, the request for medical assistance was made; surprisingly, there were no doctors on the plane. By this time, the man was barely conscious.
On arrival at LAX, the plane was cleared and the now grey, blue, green and non responsive passenger was gurney-ed off.

Apparently, he had thrown a blood clot that went to his lungs. Whether he made it or not, we will never know, since he did not have to clear customs with us- thank god.

This flight had made sure that there were lots of fluids such as juices and water on the plane available to the passengers. This particular passenger had not availed himself of the water and juices although that may not have made a difference.

Hydration is important on long flights as is moving around a little bit during the flight. Not drinking alcohol and hydrating before boarding is also helpful.

Its your life and I am sure that you can think of better ways to go than sitting in an airline seat.

[BillyB]

Apparently, he had thrown a blood clot that went to his lungs. Whether he made it or not, we will never know, since he did not have to clear customs with us- thank god.

Coughing is a symptom of blood clots but vommiting isn't according to this site. Regardless if it was a blood clot or bad airline food the man ate, one should make sure there's circulation in your legs on those long flights.

http://www.lovenox.com/consumer/dvtBloodClotInformation/whatAreDvtBloodClots.aspx

[Ste]

Dr House would have easily solved that one...

[William3rd]

Take five vicodin and call me in the morning. . . . .