Chinese surgeon praised for two in-flight emergency rescues

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“I am a doctor, even when my white gown is off.”

This is what Wu Xiaobo answered when journalists asked him about his experience conducting emergency rescues in international flights.

Wu conducts examination in-flight. /CCTV News Photo

Wu was on the flight from east China’s Wuxi, Jiangsu Province to Los Angeles with his wife to visit his son on September 29. An emergency call was suddenly announced during the flight as a Chinese-American, around 50 years old, threw up on his seat and had stomachache.

“I am afraid of traveling by air,” Wu recalled what happened on that day. “But I then realized I was the only doctor in the plane. If I hesitate, that passenger could be in danger.”

Wu checked the man’s blood pressure and heart beat and realized he could be suffering from cerebral infarction. Even though Wu could not communicate with the crew in English, he was able to persuade them to land the plane in the nearest airport.

The flight was late for two and a half hours, but no one complained about anything.

CCTV News Photo

On the flight back from the US to China, Wu came across another emergency in the air as a woman fainted. Thanks to Wu’s examination, the woman was in a good condition and just had a temporary oxygen deficit.

Wu has been working as a surgeon at the Wuxi Renmin Hospital for 28 years. He leads over 300 operations per year.

“I am not the only one to be praised,” said Wu. “Those who are abroad, including cabin crews and passengers, cooperate with me and offer help as much as they could. I was moved, too.”