A doctor from Kent saved the life of a stranger who collapsed at Miami International Airport moments after their plane landed. Elena Sumanariu, a speciality registrar at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, was arriving for a holiday when she saw the man collapse as his heart stopped beating.
She rushed to help, found the man had no pulse, and immediately began CPR while the airport's emergency team was called. Thanks to her quick actions, the man's heart was restarted with a defibrillator. Sumanariu has since received a letter of thanks from American Airlines' corporate medical director.
Medical training took over
"Although the situation was unexpected and naturally stressful, my medical training took over, and my response felt almost instinctive," Sumanariu said. "I recognised the emergency, assessed the situation quickly and immediately stepped forward to provide medical assistance while the airport emergency team was mobilised."
She added: "Being away from my usual clinical environment made the situation quite different from responding to an emergency in hospital, but the fundamental principles of resuscitation remain the same. In that moment, there was very little time to think about anything other than what needed to be done."
"I was very grateful to be in a position to help, and particularly grateful that the outcome was positive."
Hospital praises quick-thinking
Clinical leader Dr Saba Mahmood, who works for East Kent Hospitals, said Sumanariu's "quick-thinking, medical expertise and calm response" made a "significant difference".
"Although this happened thousands of miles away from East Kent, we are incredibly proud that she is a member of the EKH team," Mahmood said. "Her actions are a wonderful example of the compassion, professionalism and dedication that our colleagues demonstrate every day - both inside and outside of the workplace."
"We are extremely proud to work alongside her and delighted to have her as part of our EKH family. Her actions in Miami are a fantastic reminder that the skills and values of our NHS colleagues can make a difference wherever they are needed."
