Improvement in emergency preparedness is necessary – GMA reacts to death of passenger at KIA

General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr Titus Beyuo has said he is not privy to the full facts of the matter regarding the passenger who died at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) after arriving from the United States therefore, he cannot make any pronouncement on the situation.

However, he said, improvement in the general emergency preparedness as a country is necessary.

The Management of the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) on Saturday June 18 confirmed that on Friday, June 17, 2022, a middle-aged male passenger arrived onboard United Airlines at the KIA from Dulles International Airport Washington at approximately 10:20 am in the company of a relative.

The GACL said the passenger was reported to have complained of tiredness and had difficulty in breathing.

He was subsequently offered a wheelchair by the Ground Handler. The passenger became unconscious at the arrival hall and received medical attention but was unresponsive.

The statement indicated that he was conveyed to the airport clinic for further attention and he subsequently passed on.

“In line with protocols, the Airport District Police station was immediately informed. Ghana Airport Company Limited has commenced an investigation into the incident. Management extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family,” the statement said.

Reacting to this on the mid day news on TV3 with Komla Adom Monday June 20, Dr Ttus Beyuo said “…Improvement in our emergency preparedness is necessary.”

He added “It is difficult to speak directly to this case because I am not privy to all the facts but as a physician or as a doctor, I will say that if someday complains of tiredness after a long flight, one of the first things we think about is something we call pulmonary embolism.”

Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs.

In most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from deep veins in the legs or, rarely, from veins in other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis).