Letterkenny EMT Gerry McGowan saves a man’s life on board an Eithad Airways flight
A LETTERKENNY man has been hailed a hero after he brought an airplane passenger back from the dead.
EMT ambulance worker Gerry McGowan was on an Etihad Airlines flight from Abu Dhabi to when the drama unfolded.
Said a friend: “Gerry was on his way to the bathroom, mid flight, when he noticed a commotion and flight attendants around a passenger.
“He was concerned and he went to investigate and to see if he could help.
“He saw a male passenger, seated, and as an EMT, Gerry knew he was clearly dead.
“He asked for a defibrillator, which he was provided with.
“Using the defibrillator and his xperience as an EMT, Gerry recutitated the man. Luckily for the man that there was a defribrillator on board otherwise there would have been nothing Gerry or the crew could do.
“Fortunately, the man recovered on board, and was put on oxygen.
“As Gerry was flying 1st class, he put the man in his own bed to help his recovery!
“The man spoke no English.
“The flight continued and landed safely in Bangkok, where an emergency medical team were waiting, and the patient was handed over.
“Gerry was the hero of the day.”
Yesterday morning, Gerry received an email from Etihad Airlines about his life saving work two months ago.
Added the friend: “The company has commended his work mid-flight, and for saving the mans life.
“They have given a monetary award as a token gesture for his help on board.
“In the email, he was referred to by Etihad, as Dr. Mc Gowan!!”