Russian Health Minister saves passenger suffering stroke

The Russian Health Minister helped save the life of a female passenger who suffered a stroke on a flight from Moscow to New York, USA.

Russian Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova. Photo: RT.

An Aeroflot Boeing 777, flying from Moscow to New York, was forced to land in St. Petersburg, northern Russia, at around 12:00 PM due to a passenger suffering a stroke, RT reported today. Russian Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova, who was on the flight, provided timely first aid, helping to save the female passenger's life before airport medical personnel arrived.

"We saw the woman sitting next to us gradually turn pale and faint. The flight crew immediately asked if anyone could help provide first aid to the female passenger. Within half an hour, Skvortsova and those traveling with her used a stethoscope to check her heartbeat and then began administering first aid," recounted Elizaveta Brodskaya, deputy editor-in-chief of RT, who was also on the flight. The RT staff were on their way to New York to attend the 68th Emmy Awards ceremony, held on September 18th.

When the plane landed, airport rescue workers at Pulkovo were present, and the 47-year-old female passenger had regained consciousness.

"This is the fifth or sixth time I've had to intervene, and this happens frequently during landing or takeoff," Skvortsova replied when asked if she often has to use her practical skills to save people.

Skvortsova also said she always carries essential medical supplies in case of similar situations and was glad they proved useful this time. "Within 20 to 25 minutes, she was much better, started talking, told us her name and age, and answered some questions," she said. The passenger's health is not currently in danger.

According to VNE