Emergency Landing Saves Woman’s Life During Flight

HOUSTON — Last Friday, an international flight from Turkey to Mexico turned critical when a 35-year-old woman experienced a mid-flight medical emergency. Fortunately, quick actions by fellow passengers, a doctor on board, and Houston’s medical teams led to Maricela Hernandez Quezada surviving and beginning her recovery.

During the flight, Hernandez Quezada showed concerning signs. A fellow passenger, who happened to be a doctor, recognized she might be having a stroke and acted swiftly.

The doctor provided oxygen, monitored her closely, and informed the flight crew about the seriousness of the situation, as reported by Memorial Hermann Hospital. The plane made an emergency landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

“She was weak, completely paralyzed on her right side, and had significant speech issues, unable to understand or form sentences,” explained Dr. Haris Kamal from Memorial Hermann Northeast. “Her speech was jumbled, a condition we call ‘word salad.’”

Hernandez Quezada remarked, “I was in shock. I thought, how could this happen? I’m healthy. I don’t smoke or drink.”

Once on the ground, paramedics met the plane and rushed her to Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital. There, she was stabilized before being transferred by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann in The Woodlands, where a surgical team was prepared for her case.

Prior to the surgery, she was paralyzed on her right side and unable to speak. After successfully removing a dangerous blood clot from her brain, she is now walking and talking and is expected to fully recover.

Dr. Kamal used a catheter inserted in her leg to remove the clot.

“I anticipate she will continue to improve and might return to normal in a few months,” Kamal noted. “When people talk to her, they might not even realize she recently experienced a major neurological incident.”

What Caused the Stroke?

According to Dr. Kamal, dehydration and prolonged sitting during the long flight likely contributed to the formation of a blood clot in Hernandez Quezada’s leg, which subsequently traveled to her brain. She could have easily lost her life.

“I feel blessed for all the doctors and nurses who cared for me,” she said. “I feel like a new person now.”

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: B.E. F.A.S.T.

Understanding stroke symptoms is crucial. Remembering the acronym “B.E. F.A.S.T.” can be lifesaving.

“B.E. F.A.S.T.” encompasses key signs of a stroke:

• Balance loss
• Eyesight changes
• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911