An “out-of-order” sign covered the box where a life-saving automated external defibrillator (AED) should have been when a traveller suffered cardiac arrest at King Shaka International Airport a week ago.
The availability and functionality of emergency medical equipment, such as the AED — a vital piece of equipment if used in time that can successfully treat a patient who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest — and safety protocols at South African airports are now being questioned.
Passengers who had disembarked from a flight from Cape Town last Saturday watched the man die near the luggage carousel.
Among them was Lauren Shaw, who is demanding answers.
“I feel very strongly about this because if someone had to lose their life because of insufficient care and lack of medical devices that are contractually required, then the loss of life should not just be mourned but should bring about change, get people and institutions talking, and hold accountable those responsible,” Shaw said.
She had left the plane and made her way to the carousel when she saw two passengers administering CPR to the man.
“I started looking for a medic. My friend said the man was waiting for luggage and the next second had difficulty breathing and collapsed. Two people checked his pulse and started administering CPR. Someone shouted for a mouthpiece and a police officer ran over to the first aid box.
“Someone else asked if there was an AED. People stood there. I started running towards the AED sign. I got there [and saw] the out-of-order sign. I shouted, I ran to the Safair counter and told them to call medics and to get the international terminal to bring their AED.
“I ran to a lost luggage counter and asked them to contact the international terminal to bring their AED. No AEDs. No medics. CPR was still taking place,” she said.
Shaw then ran upstairs to search for an AED.
“I ran back downstairs. The two passengers were still administering CPR. There was no sign of medics. People were collecting bags and leaving. There were lots of police. I sat on the floor exhausted, feeling so helpless and trying to catch my breath.”
About 15 minutes later paramedics arrived.
“Two medics arrived with a first aid bag and oxygen tank and took over. They administered oxygen. I did not see them continue CPR. I did not see what else they did. I felt it the minute it happened, I turned to my friend and said he’s gone,” Shaw said.
Another passenger, who did not want to be named, told the Sunday Times he had arrived in Durban for a family wedding when he saw the man collapse.
“I was rushing out to meet a relative so I didn’t stay to help. I assumed that the man would get the medical help he needed because we were in an airport. It’s a natural assumption that there would be working AEDs and paramedics.”
But this was not the case.
Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) spokesperson Ernest Mulibana said the AEDs were out of order and the model had been discontinued.
“Acsa is in the process of procuring new models.”
Acsa did not respond to queries about how long the AEDs had been out of order or what the status of the equipment was at other airports countrywide.
Mulibana said ER24 was contracted to provide services for a fully equipped ambulance and paramedic team.
I was rushing out to meet a relative so I didn’t stay to help. I assumed that the man would get the medical help he needed because we were in an airport. It’s a natural assumption that there would be working AEDs and paramedics
ER24 said: “From the time ER24 received the emergency call from the air traffic control room, medics were immediately dispatched and responded within the stipulated emergency response time. Unfortunately, on arrival, the patient showed no signs of life and was declared deceased.”
In April 2018, a 60-year-old Pretoria man suffered a cardiac arrest at the departure lounge and died despite attempts of paramedics to resuscitate him.
Dr Rinesh Chetty, chief medical officer for JMH Citimed Ambulance Service, told the Sunday Times the key to an AED is that the sooner it is applied and used the greater chance the patient has of surviving.
“In the past, a patient had to wait for an ambulance and have a trained healthcare professional apply and manually activate it. Studies found that this time delay dropped the chance of survival exponentially. This is why the technology and application were simplified to allow most members of the public to rapidly use it safely in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.
“Every responsible member of the public or workforce should know where these machines are and familiarise themselves with them.”
MP Chris Hunsinger said he would be taking up the matter with Acsa.
“This isn't new to public experience at the airport — and no surprise given the track record of long-standing and frequent service facilities complaints. AED equipment should be available, and should work, bathrooms should be serviced and supervised per schedule and all facilities should be checked.”
He said AEDs should be on permanent standby.
“Given this basic requirement, mobile backup units should be available to cover such situations. Notices should say where one would find backup.
“A list should also show professional medical help — given the seriousness when needing an AED,” he said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.