“Dr Lee, I’m really sorry to wake you…..” I open my eyes wondering again where I am to see a very anxious flight attendant looking at me, “…..but can you come a take a look at a passenger who we think has had a bit of a turn”. It’s about seven hours since we took off from San Diego and we’re around three hours out from London. The wife of the passenger in question, 68-year old Andy, said she had been woken by him apparently having a seizure. Long story short….he likely had a transient stroke and was coming round when I examined him. Paramedics took him off the plane when we landed. The cabin staff were effusive in their thanks and apologies for waking me. They presented me with a bottle of bubbly!!

Being woken in the middle of the night to deal with a medical emergency is like turning the clock back 50 years…..appropriate really as coming up shortly is my 50 year medical school class reunion……