A WestJet flight bound for Calgary was forced to make an emergency landing in Winnipeg today after a passenger suffered a serious medical emergency mid-flight. Flight WS328, which had departed from Toronto, was diverted to Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport after crew members were alerted to a passenger experiencing severe chest pains and difficulty breathing.
The flight crew immediately notified the captain, who diverted the flight to the nearest airport. Emergency medical personnel were standing by as the plane landed safely in Winnipeg, where the passenger was quickly transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
Quick Action by Crew
Witnesses on board praised the WestJet cabin crew for their swift and calm response during the ordeal. “The crew was amazing,” said a fellow passenger, Rebecca Lyons. “They were quick to respond, and within minutes, they had the situation under control. We all felt like we were in good hands.”
According to reports, flight attendants immediately assisted the passenger, using onboard medical equipment to stabilize the situation while coordinating with medical professionals on the ground. Oxygen was administered, and the flight attendants remained by the passenger’s side until the plane landed.
The captain kept passengers informed throughout the emergency, explaining the need for the diversion and reassuring travelers that the crew was following proper procedures.
Emergency Landing and Response
Upon landing, paramedics boarded the aircraft to assess the passenger’s condition before transporting them to a nearby hospital. While the passenger’s current condition remains unknown, medical experts onboard said the quick actions taken by the flight crew may have been critical in stabilizing the situation.
WestJet issued a statement commending its crew for their professionalism. “The safety and well-being of our guests is always our top priority. We are incredibly proud of our flight crew for their swift and effective response to this medical emergency. We wish our guest a speedy recovery and are providing support to all affected passengers.”
Passengers Praise Airline
Passengers onboard were both shaken and relieved by the incident, with many praising the airline for its professionalism and quick thinking. “It was scary to see someone in distress like that, but the crew handled it with such care and urgency,” said James Tucker, who was traveling to Calgary for business.
After a brief delay in Winnipeg, the remaining passengers reboarded the plane and continued their journey to Calgary. WestJet offered affected passengers complimentary vouchers as compensation for the delay and extended its apologies for the inconvenience.
Medical Emergencies in Flight
Medical emergencies are a rare but serious occurrence in air travel. Commercial aircraft are equipped with basic medical kits, oxygen supplies, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for emergencies, and cabin crews receive regular training in first aid and emergency response.
Airlines typically have access to ground-based medical consultation services, allowing flight crews to receive guidance from medical professionals during emergencies. In this case, WestJet confirmed that its crew was in contact with a medical team who advised them on the best course of action.
Aviation experts noted that diversions for medical emergencies are not uncommon, and that pilots are trained to make such decisions quickly when a passenger’s health is at risk. “In cases like these, time is of the essence. The decision to divert can be life-saving, and the WestJet crew made the right call,” said an aviation safety consultant.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation into the incident continues, WestJet has assured passengers that safety remains its highest priority. The airline also reiterated that it would continue to support the passenger’s family and provide any assistance necessary.
While the event caused a brief delay, passengers expressed relief that the situation was handled professionally and that everyone aboard remained safe.