"Is There a Doctor On Board?" | My Experience

When the flight attendants announce "is there a doctor onboard?" it gets your heart racing if you're a doctor. This is my experience being on an international bound flight as a fourth year medical student when I heard those words, "is there a doctor on board?" announced over the loudspeaker. What the "medical emergency" was may surprise you.
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Disclaimer: Content of this video is my opinion and does not constitute medical advice. The content and associated links provide general information for general educational purposes only. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Kevin Jubbal, M.D. and Med School Insiders LLC will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Thanks for watching, everyone! Have you been on a flight when they called for a doctor? What happened?

[@alejandrablanco9646]

Haha, well done. I was actually on a plane 2 months ago and had to respond to one of those. It was quite a complex case though, had to ask for the plane to deviate and ended up getting an EKG of the patient in the ambulance before it was too late, so everything turned up well.

[@ZahraA-ys6yn]

That’s an interesting story, Kevin! You were definitely brave in that situation. I’m currently pre-med and aspire to have that courage in the future! There was a case when my grandmother was having a stroke while on a 12 hour flight from the US to Asia. My mother was calling out for a doctor, but no one responded unfortunately so we had to make an emergency landing in Thailand. She was taken to the hospital immediately and is doing much better thankfully.

[@justarandomgal2683]

No, but my dad has been the captain of the airplane during a few medical emergencies before. One time, a guy was having chest pain, so he made an emergency landing because the guy was having symptoms of a heart attack. At the airline my dad works for, they can also connect to doctors on the ground that can give their medical opinion. Dad says that in his experience, there always was a doctor on board.Medical emergencies seem to be the most common type of airborne emergencies because those are the ones my dad had to deal with in real life and not just during simulations during recurring training. Stressful, but at least it is not an engine fire.

[@neslihangroll7597]

I am a medical student from Germany and am going to take my USMLE1 in 5 days. Two weeks ago, I was flying from Istanbul to Germany. They announced "is there a medical doctor on board?". My heart went up to like 140 beats/ m. There was nobody else, I was basically the person with the most medical knowledge but I couldn't trust myself to go up there and say something and I wanna specialise in Emergency Medicine, lol. I still wonder how on earth someone will trust me with their lives. It is such a proud but weird feeling.

[@skeletonsoldier13]

(Not in a flight but similar experience) When I was on the first year of med school and on my way home in order to go study for Biochemistry exam, I happened to be on a city bus (Greece) when an accident occured: a motorbike hit a pedestrian trying to cross the road but not from the specific areas (crossings). Anyway, the bus stopped and a man holding a suitcase suddenly ran to the driver asking him to open the bus door. The doors opened and then he immediately rushed towards the fallen pedestrian (the biker was conscious, while the pedestrian wasn't). What happened next, I can't tell for sure because I had little to none understanding of the actions of the doctor due to being in the 4th month of med school (pre-clinical years) However, that motivated me towards showing more interest about trauma (and also less interest about biochemistry, in which I failed 😂). I like when someone is capable of doing something in such moments of crisis. I hope someday I'll be such a man as well.

[@christoph4024]

-Is there a doctor on board? -Here! -you need to help this man he's having a stroke -I'm a doctor of philosophy -He's going to die! -We all are going to, one day

[@iamsueshii8529]

Even if it’s a stroke, you can’t really do much for that

[@Earthling108]

Instead they should say "is there a medical professional on board?" It could be a nurse or EMT and they could be able to do something

[@jort93z]

"He's going to die!" Doctor of mathematics: "Yes, that is highly probable"

[@saraphina0104]

-Is there a doctor on board? -Here! -you need to help this man he's having a stroke -I'm a doctor in gender studies. -He's going to die! -Did you just assume their gender???

[@YurimoHikashi]

@@Earthling108 yess! Exactly doctors aren't the only ones that can help in an emergency

[@logoffdeux4035]

"Is there a pilot on board?"

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Negative. Self flying plane

[@MrMinefeld]

It's happened

[@user-kn2qk8ly8c]

Lol

[@austina4189]

logoff Deux this is something I'd do on my last flight attendant shift😭😭😂😂

[@erensalyer9705]

Oops. Wrong seat.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

"is there a doctor onboard" is almost always going to be "does someone have more medical training than our flight attendants". Be they a nurse, doctor, paramedic, paramedic technician, army medic or first aid instructor. They aren't looking for a job title they are looking for help.

[@Arcae95]

They may be true, but the legality of it isn't that simple.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

@@Arcae95 Good Samaritan laws exist for this exact reason. The UK where we don't have good Samaritan laws (to my knowledge) you would still have to be found to be grossly negligent or acting with malice to be found guilty of causing injury to someone during their treatment. No you cannot claim to be a doctor and you cannot act as one (e.g. declare a cessation of CPR) if you're not one but you can volunteer your assistance as a layperson.

[@0799qwertzuiop]

Joren Perez In Germany you can't get in trouble if you try to help and make it worse, but you can get in trouble for not helping.

[@AaronTsuii]

Yeah, that's why I don't live in the UK.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

@@AaronTsuii You have exceedingly odd criteria for picking a country to live in. I don't live elsewhere because of a heap of reasons that include such trivialities as the weather but I can't say that particular legal issue would factor into my emigration decision.

[@glamourgoblin]

“Thank you Doctor!” “Hey! Med student.” lololol that was so on point...

[@pinokosthewife]

This is the cutest and best feeling and yeah, so relatable, pffft, when you get people's respect, suddenly, it's all "Doctor, Doctor!!"

[@DorkInProgress84]

Yeah, I'm a pre-nursing student, not even a nursing student yet, and when I help someone out (I do volunteer first aid) I often have to convince them not to call me "nurse". Like, really, please wait til I *am* one!

[@jeromelano4566]

Ariel W jj

[@Nicole3900]

I just graduated nursing school in May and him saying that made me laugh because we experience something similar. When people thought I was a nurse or would call me "nurse" when I was still a student, I would correct them and make sure they were WELL AWARE I was a nursing STUDENT and not yet a nurse. Like, nope, please don't call me a nurse until I actually am one! People think we like it but we don't because it's stressful! Medical and nursing students do not want the responsibility or pressure that actual doctors and nurses have lol we feel like we still know nothing! Once you're a nurse or doctor, the responsibility is all on you......

[@hwguy13]

is also actually potentially a concern for liability and so on... being a qualified dr can come with a lot more legal if something goes wrong

[@551223]

Once I graduate and someone shouts, is there an engineer on the board?! It’ll be my time to shine...lmao

[@edrajeev7359]

551223 I think you’re going to probably be in pretty big trouble if a plane needs an engineer mid flight. Prolly something pretty broken.

[@d7eemo270]

Lol if u saved that problem.. that means u saved the whole passengers making u greater that the doctors lmao

[@elderlypoodle9181]

I have yet to hear..." Is there a Floral Designer on board ? ". I'm safe

[@melvrick028]

This will most likley not happen. But on a flight with my company from the canary islands i was trying to get some cool shots for a travel video i was making. so i showed my badge and asked to join the pilots in the cockpit for a while. Turned out the ground proximity terrain system had gone down during cruise. The weather on the airport we should have landed on required that system working due to low clouds so the pilots had planned to land on an alternate airport. Luckily i was there and i made a reset of the system which got it working again and we could land as planned. Passengers never knew a thing. :)

[@justarandomgal2683]

Jonathan .Lindqvist That's awesome! Engineers rock! My dad is an airline pilot with an engineering degree. He says it is useful because he has a deeper understanding of how things work.

[@samadsyed5396]

Is there a stressed out, useless high school student on board? *Guess it’s my time to shine...*

[@memelordish6002]

*R e L a T a B l E*

[@hleibs]

MOOD

[@ToriKo_]

Samad Syed lmao

[@user-fr6mn7il7v]

Lets all be stressed out together

[@Zetsuke4]

what would they ask you to do? jump off?

[@zenderlee]

You did the right thing. You had way more medical knowledge than any non-medical person. I'm an RN and I'd have volunteered when they announced the 2nd time, because I know my knowledge base, while less than that of a doctor, is way better than the vast majority of the passengers.

[@arslanhalo4392]

Google doesn't make u a trained doctor ma'am

[@blah7983]

Arslan Halo She’s a nurse, they know how to help with most of the common things, arguably better than doctors when it comes to physically treating things since nurses do most of the things like that.

[@zenderlee]

Thank you, Blah. Yeah, I know I'm not a doctor, but if there's no doctor on board, or no one steps up, trust me you'd rather have a nurse than someone with only first aid training. It's also part of our vow we take when we graduate, the obligation to help where needed.

[@romantalamo8266]

zenderlee nurses often have vast medical experience also, which could make them more useful in these situations. Doctors usually specialise in an area which isn’t useful in that situation so I’d rather have you help me if I was in need on an airplane.

[@wunndergurl911]

Agree he had more medical knowledge and all airlines have a medical director that you can talk to.

[@DevilDaz17]

When I was returning from my vacation just after my first semester, a person fainted due to epilepsy. I stood up immediately and had her lie down and onto the side and other basic stuff. Fortunately, she recovered quickly and told me that this was not uncommon for her. After she thanked me, I went back to my seat and everyone applauded and congratulated me. I had that celebrity feeling as well. But no one treated me to any extra food or drinks...

[@maunamccorkle4009]

As someone with Epilepsy, thanks for being there (:

[@coisadalatinoamerica7196]

Google syncope and epilepsy...

[@user-kn2qk8ly8c]

I’d have.

[@analuisa1214]

I am not a med student, I am not even in college, but this stuff should be known by everyone. I know how to help someone with epilepsy, because I have people close to me that I had to help, and it can literally save lifes! This is basic stuff, I think, they should teach us at school

[@extra_ice_girl]

Drinks on me if we ever fly together.

[@ogyyy7684]

"Is there a Mathematician on board?" .. said no one ever. my subject is so useless in real life.

[@kevinjubbalmd]

You never know, maybe someone will need quick help figuring out their bill 😉

[@dianeluke1746]

Not as useless as “Is there a Historian on board?” I think I win. Lol! 😊

[@doodzy2]

Mate maths is the reason technology exists

[@auroraz.5226]

@@dianeluke1746 you could be called up to tell the history of the area you're flying over, to the passengers

[@Perception-fi6kx]

No mathematics ! No algorithms ! No algorithms means no laptops . U have ur own importance. Thank you

[@thegaminghawk4279]

"Is there a pilot onboard?" It's my time to shine.

[@OTorgersrud]

thegaminghawk4 thats probably how 9/11 happend

[@blueaviator6771]

wait what

[@dg798]

@@OTorgersrud Lol

[@kosherkingofisrael6381]

What type of pilot are you?

[@jmb9040]

It's showtime.

[@adrianborinsky2989]

Strangely nobody ever said "Excuse me, is there an Accountant on Board?" I mean I could prepare their taxes or something but nobody cares

[@msparthgupta]

Lol so me..!! I always think about that.. But no one cares about us accountants.. But let me tell you one thing.. If it wasn't for us many doctors won't be able to function

[@michelleespino9814]

Nice 👍

[@unknownchannel3141]

Me! So, any financial advice?

[@coconutpuff4924]

So thats what y'all do?

[@chrisgloria5099]

“Is there a doctor on board?” “I’m not a doctor but I’ve seen all of grey’s anatomy.”

[@lottieplaysnintendo]

Chris Gloria MEEEE!! Can’t wait to go into nursing/maybe become a Physical assistant in the future though!

[@anon3196]

😂😂😂

[@Rapunzel8670]

😂😂😂

[@connorgibson3654]

The difference between a med student and a pilot, is when a pilot watches top gun they think there one of the best pilots, but after 4 years of med school a med student still doesn't call them self a doctor

[@kevinjubbalmd]

hahah too funny

[@lenator100]

no the reason he thinks he is not a doctor is because he was not truly a doctor yet, considering he did not graduate med school yet

[@rhyccevan-p9883]

As a pilot, this is a lie.... All pilots know that no matter your expertize something as small as a crack or a dent on the plane would end your life. That is a humbling thought. To the best of my knowledge, I don't see doctors sweating much when they see a pimple on their patient's nose.

[@andersonwu4304]

Yea because a DENT or CRACK on a plane is a lot more fucking serious than a pimple...

[@vobisw]

I think you meant they‘re

[@Idnar196]

I'm not a doctor or a med student, but I'm an EMT and I had a stranger next to me start seizing in the grocery store. I didn't hesitate to help, but I felt so unprepared without any equipment and naked without gloves. Good for you to step up and help.

[@FiMilton]

My cousin had a seizure on a plane. She had never had one before and it turned out that she had a brain tumor. (Luckily not cancerous, now removed and she is recovered). So grateful for the doctor on board who took care of her until they were able to land the plane!

[@user-kn2qk8ly8c]

Fiona M Damn, that must’ve been scary.

[@OrgBrent]

To anyone who later on says: “but she had a tumor you said, why isn’t it cancerous then?” A tumor just means a swelling. If you were to hit your head hard and it’ll swell you could as well call that a tumor.

[@vladankler1038]

@@OrgBrent tumors and swelling are two very different things my dude. Tumors are a growth of cells (cancerous or benign), and swelling occurs typically when there is increased fluid in whichever part of the body for whichever reason.

[@Mr0erick0]

Ya boy Brent what? Lol

[@jeremyhunt2461]

@@OrgBrent I don't know where you got the confidence to comment such bullshit

[@meg8008]

I fly internationally a lot! I have never had anybody call for a doctor or anything but we have been delayed a while...in the captain's exasperated words "Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We will be slightly delayed because the mechanics are looking at a...DENT. They are checking out....a....DENT. *Exasperated sigh* When we are cleared for takeoff we will be on our way....but they FIRST have to check out...........the Dent." Me and the guy next to me looked at each other and burst into uncontrollable laughter. The captain was so irked!! Hahaha!

[@alessandrodonadi1368]

Joshua Hsu man they werent laughing at the dent, they were laughing at the annoiance of the capitan

[@ahmadzaka9885]

Lmao im dying 😂😂😂

[@sgt.silkie8731]

LOL the pilot should have understood because a small dent could lead to a larger due to pressure thus leading to steering and aerodynamic problems. This was hilarious to read XD

[@aussiesparks]

I thought they started laughing uncontrollably as a response to panic. Three different takes on one story

[@alessandrodonadi1368]

@@aussiesparks this is getting interesting

[@HEGustafson]

I’m a pre-med who was on my way to Miami with other students and had a seizure which was the first one I’ve ever had. When I eventually came around a while later I woke up in the back of the plane with 2 doctors checking my vitals constantly and doing every test they had access to while a nurse put in an IV. They ended up strapping me to the floor of the plane to land and then the paramedics came on and took me to the ER to get checked out and medically cleared to fly again. I ended up continuing my trip on to Honduras for a medical brigade and had a crazy story to tell afterwards!

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Glad you’re ok!

[@fckBaby444]

Honduras is BEAUTIFUL

[@arrietty1619]

were the doctors hot? 😬😬🤭

[@forbiddentemptations2484]

Is there an Engineer on board? The coffee maker broke

[@mortenbund1219]

Reminds me of a sketch in German tv where they're like having a chain of events requiring a doctor, engineer etc.

[@NickKarlin7010]

I’m here but the wrong engineer, if a road broke while flying I’d be of help

[@KossolaxtheForesworn]

SSSSSSSPY sapping my coffee maker!

[@kleitoz7650]

Flight engineer

[@jamesmed6045]

😆😆😆

[@DavidHindin]

What a crazy story. This was awesome, man! You totally did the right thing, no question.

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Thanks bro!

[@ShadraqsVids16]

"Is there a doctor on board?" I've dissected a frog before.

[@samimackay7052]

“Excuse me is there a dancer on board we require a flash mob” nope probably not going to be needed 😂😂

[@Earthling108]

LMFAOOOOO

[@extra_ice_girl]

I need it on my flights!

[@g0at3]

This is what paramedics do best! Deal with the complete disappointment of an 'emergency' being absolutely not an emergency :0.

[@emkay7233]

Tim Kyle and freaking ER docs. Nasal congestion is NOT an emergency. Go to urgent care 😤

[@svogel6459]

I remember when my little brother went to this training camp that was hosted by a soccer club. They had paramedics on stand bye for the day. They were so excited when one of the kids busted their knee open bc they finally had something to do

[@LilJbm1]

Honestly I like when it isn't an emergency. I'd rather the patient be fine, or more or less fine, than in critical condition. Unless there are other actual emergencies which need attention at that moment, in which case you triage, I'm more than happy to help with nasal congestion, headache, minor abrasions, whatever. At least it wasn't more serious!

[@selin3160]

-Is there a doctor on board? -Here! -Someone is having a stroke! -I'm a doctor of Gender studies -He is dying -He??

[@anonbitch4963]

Niles LMAOOOO

[@TR1ppl3]

LOOOOOOOOOL

[@472_d3]

😂

[@cocoarecords]

Lmao

[@johnfrutos5775]

Good one😂😂

[@ZarHakkar]

"Is there a doctor on board?" "Yes..?" "We better kick him off then." -United Airlines

[@themanfromdelmonte3589]

Lol class

[@kronus4915]

Is there a statistician on board? We need to know the likelihood of needing a doctor later...

[@hussamraidtalibal-kaissi7479]

That was hilarious! I can totally relate to that. One day I was on an international flight and after hours, where are over the middle of the Atlantic ocean, then I heard the "Is there a doctor on board?" and I immediately freaked out and thought OMG what if it is MI or CVA, I ran barefooted (don't do that!) just to found that it was simply one of the flight attendants hit her thumb with the food cart. I applied a splint, immobilized the thumb, gave her NSAIDs for the pain, and got back to my seat. I had to deal with my wet socks for the rest of the flight (I must've stepped over something on the floor that I don't wanna know) .

[@rogohro2095]

In Germany, if they call for a doctor, you as a med student have to get up and show them that you are there to help. If you don't do that and your university finds out or the police, you will get a really heavy punishment in front of court. Hahaha

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Wow didn’t know that

[@bluezel]

@@kevinjubbalmd yeah, you HAVE to help, unless there's a more qualified person and/ or your help is not needed. But in case you make mistakes, you can't be sued whatsoever as long as you handled the situation with good intentions in mind. Imo, I don't get why it's even allowed to be any different than that. Edited: In Germany

[@GinEric84]

That's fucking ridiculous

[@carola-lifeinparis]

Oh, good to know :)

[@GinEric84]

@@karol1 because I'm the United States the 13th amendment prohibits involuntary servitude

[@fqidz]

"Is there anyone on board?" **silence**

[@teafisher]

@amazing_dude . " Damn wrong plane! " - pilot 😋

[@jayay2195]

"Is there a disappointment on board?" *raises hand slowly*

[@maxpro8575]

🤣🤣

[@kymberlyp4056]

I’m a pediatric Hospice nurse (25+ years) and was on a international flight after speaking at several conferences. After a several hours of small talk with several fellow passengers, where I shared my profession, a similar announcement was made. As I haven’t worked in emergency medicine in over 2 decades, I was extremely hesitant to volunteer my services. When the second announcement came on I assured myself that, if anything, I could offer calmness and comfort. At least that would be something until something else could be obtained... right? Well, it turns out that a father was having a major panic/anxiety attack and was escalating into physical confrontational behavior. He was flying back home with his deceased son (in the cargo hold) after his son died in action. He was experiencing acute delirium based on several psychological (and come to find out physiological) reasons. He was afraid his son was freezing and was all alone. He was panic stricken to get to his son to “comfort him”. I sat down on the floor with him and just explained that we both needed to calm down so we “wouldn’t upset his son further”. Some may say this was unethical but at thousands of feet in the air, in a pressurized metal tube, I wasn’t worried about bringing him into my rational world. It was a lot easier to go into his mental state, at that time. That’s when I noticed his medical alert bracelet and asked is I could read it. He was a diabetic and couldn’t remember when he had last eaten or taken his insulin. I asked for a glucose machine and a fellow passenger had one. I don’t recall the exact number but his BS was extremely low. A couple of cookies and some orange juice later, his psychological delirium was A LOT easier to manage. When we landed, I stayed right next to him the rest of the flight, the pilot thanked me and said “never doubt your skills again”. My advice to anyone who may think they can help.... offer your services, explain your skills and just do what you can within your abilities. P.S. I subscribed and look forward to going on your journey through the medical field. Happy healing and health.

[@sebby324]

You really helped him that day thank you for what you do

[@eerwin2494]

"Is there a Graphic Designer on board?" Me "Wait what? Ummm okay my time to shine I guess"' EDIT: Thanks for all the likes guys!

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Go get em tiger

[@wclark3196]

Somebody printed the menu cards with Comic Sans!

[@andy3813]

What’s it like being a graphic designer? I am thinking of going to collage to be a graphic designer.

[@tuulymusic3856]

@@andy3813 it's very hungry

[@KTdesign1]

S A M E .

[@harrybutcher851]

"is there an astrophysicist on board" What, planes don't need astrophysicists? I don't know what you mean

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Lol!

[@nsbss1]

Just as funny would be "is there an astrophysicist on board?" and then you think "if something already went wrong we're screwed.."

[@lorekeeper685]

I am a quantum mechanic, Something when goes work it is serious

[@amandascott2705]

Is there an artist on board? Me: *at home because I can't afford to go on a plane*

[@heatalldayy]

“Is there an unemployed art grad who had to move back in with her parents on board?” -whispered my cousin’s friend when we overheard the doctor call on a plane last year 😂😂😂

[@dannyvuong1023]

Amazing story! Proud of you Dr.J even though you weren’t a doctor yet, and identified yourself as a med student, I feel like you were justified in trying to provide help. Stories like this inspire me to keep studying!

[@DavidMR152]

"Is there a musician on board? We need a new hit before we land"

[@st0len729]

I don't know how other people think about ticks, but here in Germany they really aren't uncommon and if you have one, you just remove it by yourself and that was it. No big deal.

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Agreed. No big deal. Where it’s less common, people are more likely to be alarmed

[@jennacablair]

Kevin Jubbal, M.D. it’s no big deal until it gives you Lyme (which by the way can start to be transferred in 15 minutes), the testing isn’t even 50% accurate. My Lyme disease & co-infections were missed and I went undiagnosed for SEVEN YEARS. I now have chronic lyme, I have no chance of being cured (best thing I can hope for is remission) I nearly died. And also you had talked about it being in an area where lyme is, Lyme is in every single state in the US. It’s in the entirety of North America. It’s literally everywhere. I suggest you go to ilads.org and read up on proper Lyme disease information. You may just be able to actually save someone’s life. I lost my childhood to this monstrous disease.

[@ChristophProbst]

I have tick removers in the office I work in, in my car, in my house because I hate ticks! Tick removers are the best and almost always get off the head. I've never had luck with tweezers.

[@letsHugElefanten]

jennaca It's no big deal if you keep an eye on it. If you do get infected there will be this weird circular rash so you know when you need to go to the doctor. My friends and relatives actually had to go on antibiotics several times because they got it but if you treat it early enough it's fine. That being said, I'm so sorry that this happened to you, really proves how important it is to check if you or your kids got ticks after going outside

[@Geroellgeraet]

letsHugElefanten you don't necessarily get that rash though. It is a tricky disease.

[@mackenzieb2218]

I think this video just shows character. You're going to make a damn good doctor. First video of yours I've watched! Very well done!

[@SquatSimp]

Love your energy when telling the story "Thank you doctor" 😂😂 well done man!

[@jack_otterson4477]

*Med student

[@TigTig-Kitty]

I was on a plane and they announced is there a doctor on board and there wasn't. I was just me an EMT and a medical receptionist who I used to relay info to the pilots, tower control center & other EMS agency. I went up to the flight attendant saying here’s my skills and qualifications and I ended up treating an older woman with a (possible) Aortic aneurism. I still remember the panic she felt and she was saying I’m going to die. I said you’re going to be ok, I will be with you every step of the way and make sure you land alive my dear. She then noticed my Star of David necklace and asked me to pray for her & I will always do whatever a patient needs at that moment. It was an hour until we landed and all I could do was take/monitor vitals and pass on info to the control center and the ambulance crew that was going to meet us upon landing. It was a hard call because here I was in a dress, were in the economy seats in the very back of the plane and she was sit on the toilet she thought she was going to have a BM as she put it, so I ended up holder her up on the toilet against me (like full on hugging her to support her on the toilet) and them moving her to the back row of seats to lay down and relax to keep her heart rate down as much as possible. The staff and airline was so thankful, I got a discount ticket for a free flight and a thank you every step of the way at my lay over. I will never forget that trip, I wish I knew what happened to the woman because I did all I could and was allowed to until the medics took over and rushed her to the Hospital. Man when I landed in California first thing I did was have a drink and a smoke (I did quit that horrible habit a few years later) to calm my nerves, the crash from adrenaline is very draining and I had to have a nap on the drive home!

[@shangaahmed1991]

This makes me want to be a doctor

[@atheris1641]

Ha I kinda wanna become one but I’m terrified of needles and stuff I could never lmao

[@aidenwhite4944]

The medical field is very large and there are so many different career options available, not all of them work with gross stuff :)

[@blueaviator6771]

Same. Free ice cream sounds great

[@Cbabyperk]

Andy Edward why not both

[@connorwelcher]

Joseph Stalin Thats until someone gets knocked out bleeding on the ground

[@michaellarson3697]

"If you're constantly seeking, 'I just want to be happy', you're not actually going to be happy but instead have a mission to help others or provide value that doesn't just focus on yourself, you actually benefit much more." Wise words dude!

[@qwertyqart]

being useful is the effective path towards the happiness.

[@Sidewinder627]

Very cool vid bro. And that moment when you hesitated and thought that there had to be someone else that could help, it's what's called in social psychology as "difussion of responsibility", it's a very common phenomenon that happens when we are in big groups, some situation comes up, and we think that either we can't help, or that someone else will be more capable, etc. The only way of avoiding difussion of responsibility is to be aware of it. It's like when someone falls down on the other side of the street and you think that the people closer to them will act so you avoid intervening yourself, even if you thought of helping. So if we have that on mind, we can better apply our altruistic behavior. Good day Doc.

[@BugMed]

Hey! I'm an entomologist who has additional training in acarology (mites/ticks). Also premed. Good job with the tick. You were right. If you're able, always keep the tick. Put it in a plastic baggie or other container. You should freeze it if possible. Then take it to a diagnostic laboratory/public health agency for analysis of possible disease and species identification.

[@arielavaldez8977]

Awesome experience 😅 and You made a very good point, there is no way you’re help could have made the situation worst, the idea of knowing that it was about the patient shows how you will treat your patients.

[@Emmastayofftheinternet]

Even as a med student you know more then someone who doesn't have any training at all.

[@ItWillRainXO]

This is an awesome story! I’m glad you helped relieve the family’s distress. One thing I just thought of is what if a flight attendant calls for a doctor on board and someone volunteers who isn’t a doctor or med student or anything related and is just pretending...I hope they would at least ask for ID or something

[@kevinjubbalmd]

That’s a great question. I don’t think they generally would ask for ID. If people aren’t working they are unlikely to carry their badge

[@mfrankel8321]

Hi Kevin, very inspiring story...told with humor and humility. Your clip should be standard viewing for anyone contemplating a career in medicine.

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Thank you much appreciated!

[@Liuhuayue]

Everyone involved is so lucky it was just (spoiler below)... a tick.

[@Stand_Tall]

that ticked me off

[@nurull.6]

Asian Festive season Relatives: here comes the doctor (then proceed to describe their medical concern) Me(2nd year medical student): I'm sorry u need to go and see a doctor.🙏(everytime)

[@kevinjubbalmd]

So true 😂

[@Ballacha]

_[muffed sound coming from confined space]_ *is there a plumber on board?*

[@DonWouter1]

Hey man, as a 'student pilot'(not a pilot yet, haha). I would like you to know that in the aircraft, there is an emergency medical kit. Only accesible by the pilots and goes beyond common first aid items, if you have your medical license, you could ask for that if something serious happens. There is more serious stuff in there and you have to sign it with your license number after use.

[@jagmeetcheema5956]

Haha this is an amazing story. I loved how you stopped worrying and just helped them out.

[@tigermason7624]

I went on vacation and had four flights in total. TWO of them had flight attendants come on the intercom asking for a doctor on board, it was so scary.

[@kevinjubbalmd]

What happened?

[@AKR-Edits]

Imagine being on a plane and hearing the flight attendant asking for a doctor, a man says he is and asks what wrong. There is a man next to u having a seizure the doctor walks up to him not knowing what to do and says. "I'm accually a dentist but..."

[@hamoodi19]

@@schelney No they don't lol

[@hamoodi19]

H. J. They really don’t...

[@Docinaplane]

It sounds like you handled that really well! I'm a surgeon. I’ve never faced an in-flight medical emergency in the sky, either while I was the pilot or when traveling commercial. My dad did, however. He was on a trans-Atlantic flight and answered the request he heard over the intercom for a doctor on board. My dad is an experienced maxillofacial surgeon (trained at Cook County Hospital back in the day where he did everything) but does not have an MD. When he informed the attendants of that, they hesitated, but he reassured them proudly with this statement, “Take it or leave it, it looks like I’m all you’ve got.” lol He diagnosed the person with hypotension and syncope of unknown origin, treated them appropriately with position, fluids and oxygen and everything turned out fine!

[@bonjourangeleyes3215]

You are Awesome & a good hearted caring person. I totally agree with you inregards to helping others. It's a great feeling inside to see that other person feel relief in a given situation such as a emergency in which they do not want to be in 💞 you are truly in the right profession👨‍⚕️ Your heart & mind connected you in that situation for the ability to assist in that given moment while being on the plane. Thank you & I commend you for being such a beautiful caring person🌺 Your intentions are pure 👨‍⚕️

[@taylorbabymadison]

Hi, born and raised Vermonter here. She should have known that wasn’t an emergency ESPECIALLY if the family was from Vermont. We have a huge tick population. I applaud you for your candor and bravery in that situation. To stand up and help and be honest about being a medical student.

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Visiting Vermont or Virgina Area. One of the two. Family was from some place in Asia.

[@rosalynrai]

Awesome story. You always have such good things to say. Really inspiring! Keep it up Kevin! You're making me very excite as I wait to get into medical school. The field of medicine and helping others is truly such an amazing thing. Like you said, finding meaning and purpose in life = caring and helping others in anyway you can.

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Thanks for watching Rose and good luck with your apps!

[@bleu2981]

You’re amazing. Truly one of my favourite and inspiration.

[@menasalman8534]

I can listen to you talking all day.. so inspirational!

[@kathlena5891]

Thanks for making such a video. Working as a flight attendant, I can say, anyone with more than just basic first aid training is helpful. I can only speak for my airline (but I assume it's pretty much the same for most others), but in medical emergencies, help of a nurse or a medical technician can be super helpful, too. Never think "I'm not a doctor, I'm a nurse" when they ask for a doctor. Medical staff brings a lot of knowledge, that's very important, especially when in the air.

[@SerialChillerBH]

As a med student this scenario is always in my mind and just thinking about it is stressful, you did whats right i guess. P.s. i’ve always dreamed of changing the title from mr. to doctor in the airlines website exactly after graduating just to honor my self and this scenario just keep coming😂

[@GinEric84]

🤦‍♂️

[@d7eemo270]

I am a medical student 3rd year lol and that is pretty interesting thing to do .. tbh u got lucky that wasn’t a complicated case though

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Complex is more fun though :)

[@lisasophiekaps]

I've been on a flight where to man in the row in front of me almost died from what I think was something related to his heart. It was amazing to see how well, friendly and calm the flight attendants and the two doctors on board worked together and calmed down the family members. However, a more scary thing I have heard on a transatlantic flight was "Are there airplane technicians or a firemen on board?"

[@Michele-bm1zu]

If that mom and daughter grew up in Pennsylvania she would have laughed and pulled out the tick remover from her purse 😂🤣

[@yadiggg6604]

Michele Hatch haha I'm from PA and I concur!! 😂

[@ruddthree8105]

I had Lyme when I was 8, and I'm scared to go outside in shorts anymore...

[@kelvinng765]

Thank you for sharing this story. Really could take away a few key lessons from this short sharing!!!

[@BboyJLim]

This is freaking awesome - definitely feeling inspired

[@kelseyjean4042]

Paramedic here- I really like that you checked yourself before volunteering. Your story is awesome. It was perfect that you were the only person on the plane with medical training. Questioning whether you should have volunteered is a good thing. I have responded to many scenes where bystanders with medical training (even nurses and doctors) have been a huge hindrance rather than being helpful. But you thought it through and were humble and gracious. And even if it was a cardiac arrest, you already have your ACLS and BLS covered. Don't doubt yourself. You almost have the white coat. Props.

[@Kymv8382]

I shadowed a cardiologist who said nearly everyone he flies he gets the call “is there a doctor on board” and it’s usually always something serious like someone dying from heart related problems. He said he hates flying because of it. He’s an interventional cardiologists

[@rebekahmenon1932]

I love this story! Thank you for sharing.

[@Zitterion2016]

That's the difference between MD and PhD hahaha

[@ivihari]

Hi I'm dr CHARAN Same thing happened to me 2010 When we were traveling in a bus from leh to mohali...this guy from UK name Peter went in hypokalemia (high altitude induced )and unresponsive...then the bus attender called is there doc on bus...then 2nd time she called again and Since I'm an orthosurgeon...I hesitated...but my heart says...no your a doc u can handle...went and gave CPR ...gave mouth to mouth ...he survived...after that ....that gave me the euphoria I never had in my life...that I saved a person life...

[@56658]

one time i was the one who needed the doctor! seriously grateful for all medical people!!

[@ELANNAR]

Actually rofl’d as soon as you said tick 😂 thanks for making the workday more bearable

[@chloep9321]

"Is there a doctor on board" Me : um i know first aid?!

[@Itsbritt_22]

Yo! These comments are flooring me! I’m dying of laughter 🤣🤣

[@benmahinda2008]

Happened to me twice. Once on a Delta flight from Amsterdam to Seattle. Right when COVID was slowing down. Traveling with my spouse and infant I did not do much but when they requested for a pulse oximeter I handed them one. After that I was treated like a King. I remember I had earlier requested for some food for my son which had been declined. After offering to help they were so warm to me and even offered some food to him. It melted my heart. We had an emergency landing in Iceland and later proceeded to Seattle. The second one was on an AirFrance flight from Paris to Zanzibar. Same distress call. I was asleep when they made it. A friend I was traveling with woke me up frantically and asked that someone could use my help. I woke up startled and immediately was led to the back of the plane and assisted as I could. Luckily this time there was two of us. We made an emergency landing in Nairobi.They gave me a ticket offer next time I used Air France and a bottle of wine.

[@ilegadh]

Even if you couldn't help the person in need, you still have 4 years more medical training than everyone on board.

[@saithorat3483]

That was so cool! Thank you for sharing... Absolutely Love your vlogs ❤️

[@witchdoctor4222]

It’s similar for me when somebody yells “medic”. My heart starts racing, I’m looking all around to see where the shout came from, mentally checking what I have on hand. It’s a profession that requires you to be equal parts selfless and courteous, which you handled masterfully. In that moment, you detect that there is an issue, and it is our first priority to put the issue to rest

[@arizonaphd1119]

Somehow this video appeared in my video feed sone 4 years after you had posted this. Great job, Kevin. Undoubtedly, you’ve completed residency and now you’re accomplishing significant career milestones while helping patients through difficult times.

[@Gray13475]

The only experience I have since becoming TEMS(Tactical Paramedic [SWAT Paramedic]) qualified, was a DVI, several years back working a normal shift. I responded into what would eventually would, that turned into a Homicide of a Minor and Attemped Homicide. I worked on both victims GSW-induced Open Pneumothoraces and related complications. I ended up having to RSI one and preform a TC on the other. I had to improvise all of my equipment to provide for L1-level Trauma needs on Children in the field(any back up was 25 minutes out). I hesitated on clamping the descending aortic tear on the youngest one and they passed on scene. I have/had the means to go in on an attempted clamp, but sadly, not for Pediatric's and still don't. Our Medical Director still will not allow us to carry Pediatric Surgical/Surgical Clamping. The Paramedics(once they got to the scene) and I were able to keep the remaining victim alive long enough to get it Medevaced and into an L1 Trauma OR. The surviving victim was in the Children's ICU as ICU-Critical for 18 Days, before being downgraded to ICU-Stable. They remained there for an additional 34 days, due to concurrent surgeries and recovery. It took a four full more months before the victim was able to be released. They went straight into our State-managed CCWPU(Child Witness Protection) for continued treatments. The last thing any of us were allowing; was for CPS, to take State Warden-ship over that victim(multiple reasons). The Victims were 6 and 9, at the time - the 9 year old passed away on scene. The remaining victim is safe now, in a good home(and we still protect them - in an unofficial off duty and "paid"[we do it for free] secondary capacity). All of us are still personally paying out of pocket and to their adoptive Parents. It is all going to their medical treatment costs. The entire Agency pitches in the best we can - before they turn 18. So, they do not assume that debt or reminder for why they have even assumed medical debts.

[@mirabhattacharya8474]

Gray13145 aww that’s amazing

[@loading1345]

Wtf who does that to kids.... thank u for helping thwm

[@awilson72]

Gray13145 tyfys

[@joshuadandrea8154]

How could 8 people dislike this vid? I loved it!!

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Haha thanks man

[@bonniemacevoy]

Had a similar situation after decades in medicine and it still makes your heart race. You did the right thing; we use our knowledge to help people, however limited. We just always need to know when to say it is above your expertise. Good job!

[@glow15]

Hilariously amazing!! I think you definitely did the right thing. You're right - someone needs help and no matter what, offering to see whether you can help instead of worrying whether you can help is amazing. Well done, doctor!

[@jobic4207]

I was on some flight in Africa from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg when an elderly woman choked on some food and the entire plane freaked out. Not a fun experience, especially on a 30 year-old plane at 40,000 feet above Zimbabwe.

[@FareedKhan-dn9ce]

You are 💯 right...medical students are always in de Lima to be called oneself a Doctor 👨‍⚕️

[@hetvikhetia4354]

I was having some doubts but for some reason this just made my day better

[@gatonegrote]

A few years ago in a flight from Chicago to Monterrey Mexico, the flight attendant asked if there was a doctor, nurse or anyone with medical training. No one responded. She asked again and still no response. A few minutes passed and she asked again and I could not handled it anymore and volunteered. I went up to her and said "I am a nurse... in Mexico'" ( I had to say it because we were flying in U.S airspace) She grabbed my arm and took me to see an unconscious woman. She was breathing and had a pulse, but her skin was cold and sweaty and her bp was low. I had a hard time trying to wake her up ( I gave her a sternum rub) and woke up. I asked her if she was taking any medication and she said not, but told me she was diabetic. I asked the flight attendant to bring orange juice and gave it to her. After a few minutes, the woman "came back to life" and her bp went back to normal. Then, the flight attendant tells me " We are 45 minutes away from Monterrey....Do you want us to continue or do we need land?" I looked at the woman and she said " I am feeling much better now" and I replied..." We can continue the flight". I stayed with the woman for the remaining minutes till we landed in Monterrey and a crew of MTIs was already waiting for her. I gave report to them and they took her out on a wheelchair. I am glad I was there to help her.... but I did not get any free stuff LOL.

[@MooseM3]

Thanks for sharing your story! These are the videos that keep me motivated. Can't wait to start medical school :-)

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Thanks for watching Andrew!

[@jacobthiessen7027]

This is exactly what I fear whenever someone asks for medical help in a public place! What is I don't have tweezers, or what if the head pops off! Way to scary, better to just play dumb... 😆

[@siblingsquad2k196]

Your smile makes me smile so wide. Keep on smiling Dr.Jubbal

[@sheelotastic]

This happened to my dad. He didn't want to get up initially but after the air hostess asked another time, he went up and helped out. Turns out a woman travelling for the first time on a plane and was having an epileptic fit and passed out shortly after. I doubt I'll ever be called up. Haven't ever heard a need for cyber security while 35,000 feet in the air.

[@ryanfoss831]

*touches patient* -intercom- “is there a lawyer on board?”

[@DrAdnan]

Dr. Jubbal saves the day. Nice storytelling too! I’d hope if the situation ever happens to me it would be after a few years of residency so I’d have a little more experience under my belt.

[@makeupfreak74hollypershall13]

This message was just what I needed today! I have been wondering if all the work I am doing a 43 (fist time college student) to get my teaching degree is worth it. I needed to hear that it is about what you can give in service not about selfish desires. Thanks!

[@bdogg20101]

As a CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, I tell all my students that even though it may not be an emergency to you (the provider/care giver), it is very important to the person in that situation to ask for help in their time of need. Otherwise they would not ask for help. Remember that everyone's definition of an emergency is different. Awesome that you helped the family. There are still great people that are out there that are willing to help another person in their time of need.