A Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to Milan turned tragic in the early hours of November 5, 2025, when a middle-aged man collapsed mid-air and could not be revived despite desperate efforts by doctors on board. The incident happened on flight SQ378, about two hours into the journey as reported by CNA.
Gastroenterologist Dr Desmond Wai from Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, who was travelling for a family holiday, heard the cabin crew’s announcement seeking medical assistance around 2 a.m. Singapore time. Without hesitation, he rushed to the back of the aircraft, where the man had collapsed.
Dr Wai later recalled that the crew had already laid the passenger on the floor and brought out the automated external defibrillator (AED) and medical equipment. He joined two other doctors in performing CPR and using the AED in an attempt to revive the man. For nearly 30 minutes, they worked continuously while the cabin crew followed instructions and assisted.
Despite their efforts, there was no response. The doctors eventually had to make the difficult decision to stop. “Being a doctor, it’s my ethical duty to help,” Dr Wai said later. He added that though doctors are trained to deal with death, it was emotional to witness it unfold in the air, far from any hospital setting.
Dr. Wai's heartfelt comment on Doctors' ethics and duty is been loved by many over social media:
After the emergency ended, the man’s wife, who had been travelling with him, tearfully thanked Dr Wai. “Thank you, doctor, for trying,” she told him, words that he said touched him deeply. He also noticed how shaken the cabin crew were. One stewardess told him it was her first time seeing someone die.
Dr Wai shared that the team had done everything possible with the limited equipment available onboard.
Singapore Airlines later issued a statement expressing condolences to the family and gratitude to the medical professionals and crew members who responded. The airline said its cabin crew are trained in first aid and emergency protocols and that they immediately seek help from qualified medical passengers when such situations arise.
Upon landing in Milan, local authorities met Dr Wai and the other doctors to take their statements as part of standard procedures following an in-flight death. Dr Wai admitted he briefly worried about being detained for questioning but described the process as straightforward and respectful.
Dr. Wai said despite the emotional toll, he would not hesitate to act again in a similar situation.
(Rh/ARC/MSM)
