A Southwest Airlines passenger has written a touching letter to seatmates who stepped up to save their life after they experienced a serious medical emergency shortly after the flight from Kona, Hawaii, in the lead-up to Christmas.
Thankfully, the unnamed passenger is now in recovery, but their fate could have been very different if it hadn’t been for the good samaritans and flight attendants who rushed to help them as Southwest flight WN-600 headed for its Pacific crossing to Las Vegas on December 23.
Unable to thank in person the seatmates, off-duty medical professionals, and flight attendants who came to their aid because they were rushed to the hospital, the passenger took to the social media site Reddit to share an open letter in praise of those on Flight 600 who helped them.
“The compassion, care, and professionalism shown by the crew and fellow passengers deeply moved me,” the passenger wrote. “The swift actions of everyone involved helped stabilize my condition and ensured I was safely rerouted to Maui for medical treatment.”
“This was an incredibly frightening experience, and I will never forget the kindness and support shown to me during such a difficult time,” the letter continued.
“Although I don’t recall all the details, I remember some of the faces of those who helped and the genuine concern they expressed. I would like to specifically thank the person who continuously checked my blood pressure, the individual with the stethoscope, the one who held my legs up, the person who administered the IV, and the flight attendants who constantly checked on me to ensure my comfort.”
The passenger also thanked another seatmate who lent their shawl to keep them warm and a couple who helped to comfort the passenger’s traveling companion.
“I know I may not remember everyone who stepped up, but I am equally grateful to anyone else who assisted. Your kindness made a significant difference in my recovery.”
As other passengers and flight attendants worked to provide emergency medical care, the pilots quickly diverted the Boeing 737 towards Maui so that the customer could be rushed to the hospital.
As a result, the flight didn’t arrive in Las Vegas until nearly 9 pm – around six hours later than scheduled. The sick passenger offered their apologies for the disruption, saying they “regret the inconvenience” the diversion caused.
“Please know that I truly appreciate your patience and understanding,” the open letter continued.
Commentators were quick, however, to reassure the passengers that they shouldn’t worry about the disruption the diversion caused. “I can tell you that 99% of the people on that fight just wanted you to get the help you needed and didn’t mind the detour,” one person wrote in response.
“It sounds like most people involved here aren’t expecting a written apology for rerouting or even a thank you, and they’d probably do it again without expectation,” another wrote.
Encouragingly, the letter has already reached some of the people on the flight, including one of the flight attendants who reassured the passenger that Southwest would be able to forward the letter to all the good samaritans who were on the plane.
