#NSTviral: Airline crew praised for lifesaving response during in-flight baby emergency

New Straits Times

10-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: An airline flight crew has been widely praised for their swift and compassionate response after a baby experienced a medical emergency mid-air, a dramatic incident that came to light in a heartfelt Facebook post by the child's mother.
Jacyntha Florentius took to Facebook to recount the incident, which occurred on flight AK115 from Guangzhou to Kuala Lumpur last Friday.
In the now-viral post, the mother described the terrifying moment her daughter, who had been sleeping peacefully after take-off, suddenly became pale, unresponsive, and appeared to struggle to breathe.
"She looked weak, her lips turned pale, and she wasn't reacting. I was so scared. I called the crew for help and asked for oxygen. They responded immediately.
"The cabin crew sprang into action, administering oxygen and broadcasting an appeal for medical professionals on board.
"A doctor quickly stepped forward to assist. At the same time, the pilots reduced the aircraft's altitude to ease the baby's condition," she wrote.
Still concerned for her child's safety, Florentius said the pilots made the decision to divert to the nearest airport in Ho Chi Minh City, where a medical team was already on standby upon landing.
"During the descent, the crew kept checking on her, massaging her hands and feet, checking her pulse. They were so caring. I was in tears.
"Once on the ground, the family was escorted to an ambulance and taken to a hospital, where baby Tashya was fast-tracked for medical tests, including an ECG, X-ray, and echocardiogram," she said.
She added that a ground staff member in Ho Chi Minh City stayed with the family throughout their hospital visit and arranged a complimentary return flight to Kuala Lumpur.
"They even helped us all the way to the boarding gate for our flight home. Alan stayed with us from A to Z.
"This team saved our baby. They acted fast, stayed calm, and were incredibly kind. They truly went above and beyond," she said.
The post has since garnered widespread attention online, with social media users calling the crew "heroes in uniform" and praising the airline for putting passengers' lives first.
User Victor William wrote: "Well done, team. I hope the little one is fine. Cabin crew are trained to handle emergency situations. That is their primary role, the safety of passengers in the aircraft."
Another user, Mohd Izhar, also praised the airline crew: "Speedy recovery for your baby and kudos to the AK115 crew for fast action... well done," he said.