Michael Kassarjian was on a plane when one of the flight attendants requested the urgent need for medical assistance over the PA. As a certified American Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder, Michael offered to help and was lead to an elderly passagner in distress.

Michael asked the flight attendants for one of the on-board emergency oxygen tanks which he quickly administered.  After a few minutes the woman was able to breathe more regularly and returned from her previously disoriented state. 

The pilot asked if they needed to divert to a nearby airport, but Michael felt the woman had stabilized and the flight could continue as scheduled.  Flight attendants asked other passengers to swap seats with Michael so he could sit next to the woman for the remaining half hour of the flight.  

Then a new problem emerged: The airplane had only two bottles of oxygen left and both were going to run out of air before the plane landed.

In consultation with the pilots, it was concluded diverting the flight would not gain them much more time, eventhough the woman would run out of supplemental air before landing. Instead, Michael urged paramedics to be ready and waiting on the tarmac with oxygen.

As the aircraft descended the woman’s oxygen levels started to slip into dangerous territory but the paramedics were at the plane shortly after landing and able to immediately administer oxygen.  

Join us May 16 to celebrate our 2024 Heroes. Click here for event information.

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.

Join us May 16 to celebrate our 2024 Heroes. Click here for event information.