EZEIZA From Argentina, joined Aug 2004, 4080 posts, RR: 37 Posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 12321 times:
A 5-month baby died on an Air Madrid flight that covered EZE-MAD last thursday . According to first reports, the baby died shortly after having powder milk with water provided by the company. The mother, Yanina Castro, claims that there were no doctors on board while Air Madrid GM in Argentina, Carlos Trellez, says that the baby was trated by five doctors that were on the flight, and that there is no evidence yet that the water had anything to do with the tragedy, and that "until the results of the autopsy are given, there should be no spoeculations because this is a very serious case". http://www.lanacion.com.ar/EdicionIm...iongeneral/nota.asp?nota_id=850322
LTBEWR From United States, joined Jan 2004, 9372 posts, RR: 7 Reply 1, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 12262 times:
What a sad story, but I suspect this has happened before. Any baby at that very young age is still at risk for a number of illnesses, including SIDS and flaws in their bodies not known or with any signs to doctors. All possibilities must be investigated including a through autopacy, examination of the formula, the water used and of the mother's personal life. Of course it causes some significant issues as this occured on an aircraft, with the mother, in international airspace. Let's hope the cause of this baby's death is determined and just something natural.
AlexPorter From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 6, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 5 days ago) and read 11359 times:
Quoting LTU932 (Reply 4): I wonder why NM never diverted for this medical emergency? Was it too late or did they simply not divert when the kid could still have been saved?
It was EZE-MAD so they were probably halfway across the Atlantic when it happened with nowhere to divert to.
Iberia340600 From Spain, joined Oct 2003, 804 posts, RR: 21 Reply 7, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 11265 times:
It says in the paper that "After drinking the milk, the baby did not want to sleep, didnt feel well, had a fever, lips were discolored, and was not breathing properly". Sounds a little strange that all that would come on right after drinking the milk. Couldnt it be that the baby was already sick? I mean a natural reaction if something does not agree with you is to throw up...although I am not a doctor.
Airfoilsguy From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 8, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 11264 times:
"Hasta que no estén los resultados de la autopsia, éste es un caso muy grave como para realizar especulaciones sobre las causas del deceso", aseñaló Trellez. "No estuve en el vuelo, pero de acuerdo con las declaraciones de la madre sobre la falta de oxígeno en el avión, hay que decir que todos los aviones tienen oxígeno, sólo había que bajar las mascarillas de emergencia", dijo Trellez.
My spanish is a little rusty but it apears that the mother is saying the Air plane did not have oxygen for emergency medical use on board. The company clames that all there planes have emergency oxygen.
LTU932 From Mexico, joined Jan 2006, 12264 posts, RR: 58 Reply 9, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 11224 times:
Quoting Airfoilsguy (Reply 8): My spanish is a little rusty but it apears that the mother is saying the Air plane did not have oxygen for emergency medical use on board. The company clames that all there planes have emergency oxygen.
You're correct. The mother complained about no oxigen being available while the NM rep said there was oxigen available and that they only needed to lower the emergency oxigen masks (likely those used in case of cabin depressurisation).
But why lower those emergency masks? Didn't they have a separate oxigen supply for medical emergencies?
[Edited 2006-10-18 21:17:59]
Zu fettigem Käse und kalorienreicher Kunstmarmelade, nehme ich einen Doppelkorn.
TeamAmerica From United States, joined Sep 2006, 1538 posts, RR: 19 Reply 10, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 11151 times:
Quoting Iberia340600 (Reply 7): "After drinking the milk, the baby did not want to sleep, didnt feel well, had a fever, lips were discolored, and was not breathing properly". Sounds a little strange that all that would come on right after drinking the milk.
That actually sounds very much like an allergic reaction. http://www.foodallergy.org/anaphylaxis/index.html
I'm sure the proper authorities will determine if the powdered milk contributed to this. I would be interested to know if the was first time the baby had drunk that particular product. Very sad.
EZEIZA From Argentina, joined Aug 2004, 4080 posts, RR: 37 Reply 11, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 11014 times:
As for now everything is speculation on what coud have caused the tragedy. Also, I have not found any additional info on Argentine press, so does anyone know at what stage of the flight this could have happened? The EZE-MAD Air Madrid flight stops at Fortaleza before crossing the Atlantic. Unless this happened in the last hour, where there is no point of diverting, there are some places where the aircraft could have landed such as Cabo Verde or Dakar, or maybe even return to Brazil. And I'm speculating here, but if this happened right after feeding the baby, I'm pretty sure that it was not in the last few moments of the flight. Again, I am just speculating since I have no further info, but it seems to me that the flight could have been diverted (although from the looks of it, the tragedy would have not been avoided because everything happened too fast). What is the regulation for these cases. especially once a person has died?
regards
B777A340Fan From United States, joined Oct 2005, 722 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 10456 times:
I don't think a baby that young should be allowed to fly. As one said above, a baby that young is susceptible to various airborne illnesses, especially in such tight environment. Could very well have been an allergic reaction, but to the water? This story doesn't make sense... I think it's not the water because other passengers would've gotten sick as well. Bottom line, I don't think it's the airline's fault. Again, just a guess.
Shankly From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2000, 1148 posts, RR: 1 Reply 13, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 9838 times:
Remember the first time I took my son on an airliner when he was four months old. As we thundered down the runway at LGW I thought "what are you doing!?" However reality quickly checked. Hundreds if not thousands of infants fly throughout the world day in day out without problems. Hundreds however die on the roads. This is an extremely sad story and the despair of Ms Castro must be unbearable.
FlyinHigh From United States, joined Mar 2005, 71 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 9786 times:
Quoting B777A340Fan (Reply 12): I don't think a baby that young should be allowed to fly.
I've flown with my two kids years ago when one was 11 days old and the other 3 months old. I've also been on many flights where there have been young babies. This has nothing to do with the age of the baby, it's more likely to be the formula, water or a birth defect.
EASTERN747 From United States, joined Oct 2006, 68 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 9134 times:
Please correct me if I am wrong, but most carriers today have bottled water on the carts and don't rely on potable water excpt for coffee. Somehow i also got the impression the formula was supplied by the carrier..doesn't make sense.
777jaah From Colombia, joined Jan 2006, 859 posts, RR: 2 Reply 17, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 8849 times:
Next december i'll fly BOG-MIA-BOG (3.5 hr flight) with my 9 months old baby, and I'll do it with no hesitation. I think bad luck got into the equation in this case, very, very sad, only a parent can really imagine this kind of pain the mother is going through. QEPD.
"He can't fly!!! Those wings are made of plastic" Woody on Buzz Lightyear's wings.
MarkHKG From United States, joined exactly 4 years ago today! , 832 posts, RR: 2 Reply 18, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 8720 times:
Quoting LTU932 (Reply 9): But why lower those emergency masks? Didn't they have a separate oxigen supply for medical emergencies?
You are correct. The rep seems to be mistaken. There is drop-down oxygen, but there is also theraputic oxygen carried in portable bottles. Most, if not all, passenger carrying aircraft should have portable oxygen. It's possible that they may not have had an oxygen mask size suitable for the infant, but they should have had an oxygen tank to bring to the patient.
DavestanKSAN From United States, joined Sep 2005, 1678 posts, RR: 20 Reply 20, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 7950 times:
This is really sad. I hope they find out what happened so this never happens again. RIP to the baby. Thoughts with the family.
Dave
Yesterday we've sinned, today we move towards God. Touch the sky....love and respect...Safe Star!
DZ09 From United States, joined Sep 2006, 441 posts, RR: 1 Reply 21, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 7680 times:
All my kids flew transatlantic when they were just a few months old. It sounds that the poor baby had a pre-existing condition, most likely a heart condition and did not adjust to the pressurisation. Man this is terrible.
Brenintw From Taiwan Region, joined Jul 2006, 939 posts, RR: 1 Reply 22, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 7080 times:
Quoting ABpositive (Reply 19): I wonder if the airlines have adrenaline for treating anaphylaxis
It's highly unlikely -- medical adrenaline needs to be refrigerated at all times, has a relatively short useful life and if the incorrect type can cause even worse complications. IIRC, medical adrenaline can be sourced from various animals -- I know for example that some anti-venom is obtained from horses, and if the recipient is allergic to horses, the side-effects are worse than the original snake-bite (in this case, they use anti-venom sourced from rabbits).
My cousin is highly allergic to nuts, but she can't carry adrenaline with her because of the storage requirements ... makes it really difficult to take her out for a meal!
I love taking off, I love landing -- I'm not wild about the bit in between
Dampfnudel From United States, joined Oct 2006, 47 posts, RR: 0 Reply 23, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 6253 times:
On a related note, I always thought it was better to wait until a child was at least 6 months old to fly because of the child's fragile eardrum. At least that's what my mom's doctor said when I was born back in the 70s.
JetBlueGuy2006 From United States, joined Jan 2006, 1390 posts, RR: 2 Reply 24, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 6253 times:
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Quoting ABpositive (Reply 19): I think you might be right on the money here. I wonder if the airlines have adrenaline for treating anaphylaxis
True, but then again, if it is not an allergic reaction, then the possibility arises that the medication could do harm, then I wouldn't want to be the Flight Attendant that gave it.
Either way, a very sad sad story and I feel for the mother, may the baby RIP
Home Airport: Capital Region International Airport (KLAN)
BOACVC10 From United States, joined Jul 2006, 340 posts, RR: 0 Reply 25, posted (3 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 6123 times:
Quoting FlyinHigh (Reply 14): Quoting B777A340Fan (Reply 12):
I don't think a baby that young should be allowed to fly.
I've flown with my two kids years ago when one was 11 days old and the other 3 months old. I've also been on many flights where there have been young babies. This has nothing to do with the age of the baby,
My daughter was born in CCU and we had to make a trip back home to DAC after about 6 weeks on BG, and had no problems. The mother IMHO should have prepared her own meals / bottles in advance, as this was a short enough flight and just warmed it up in the galley by calling up an F/A.
I wonder if the airline had imposed any security arrangement / restriction such that she could not bring any bottled water (infant formula, prepared) and therefore she had to rely upon the potable water on the A/C.
I would think that the flight should have returned to base, and not continued on the route, as it is horrible to think of the situation in the air, any idea on what Pilot in command decided to do?
Did they try to raise a hospital medic through the R/T, who could have advised how to wash the baby's stomach for any posionous substances ?
IMHO, the SQ F/A training for taking care of baby's are the best as I have flown with family a lot - and they seem to care very diligently and prefer that you bring your own bottled milk or heat it up extra hot and sterilise the container before giving it back to you.
Which airlines have ground medic facilities for onboard medical emergencies?
BOACVC10
Flying high all day and night!
26 BOACVC10: As a child during the 1960s and 1970s, I flew a lot on F-27 A/C, and the screaming noise of the props were loud enough that we had to wear cotton ear
27 Birdbrainz: We flew SFO-LHR-CPT with our six-month old and were told the opposite: the baby doesn't feel pressure in the ears until about nine months onward, and
28 Rampart: This does sound like an alergic reaction -- I am very familiar with this sort of thing! But not all medicines require special treatment or refrigerat
29 MarkHKG: That is incorrect. Epinephrine Autoinjectors (Epipens, which is the adrenaline injection) do NOT have very strict storage requirements. They should b
30 LTU932: Could the possible alergic reaction also come from a toxine in the water supplied by NM for the mother to prepare the formula?
31 3MilesToWRO: Unlikely for me. While the water could have been poisonous for some highly strange reason (production process failure?), if we keep to allergy theory
32 FlyingColours: True, we have adrenaline avaliable in the EMK however like most of the stuff in there, we are not allowed to touch it, it must be administered by a d
33 MarkHKG: If a paramedic or nurse is on board, can they administer it on the direction of MedLink (or similar medical direction program)?
34 FlyingColours: Yes, however they can also adminster it quickly should a situation deteriorate quickly (ie, before Medikink have been contacted). Crew under no circu
35 B777A340Fan: Plenty of newborns fly every year on a plane, but statistically speaking, it's the time of their lives where they're the most vulnerable and fragile.
36 ABC9: Terribly sad story and my sympathies to the family involved. However let's be clear about someting here - there is no proof that air travel affects i
37 Standby87: Terrible story. I have 3 children who've been flying since they were 2 months old - including long-haul 12+ hour trips. No problems, it's just hard wo
38 TropicalSQ744: Well guys.. It isn't so bad.. The baby will be going to limbo. But wait, the catholic church is closing it down.. Anyway, could it be something to do
39 BOACVC10: CCU = Kolkata, India, where the infant was born. DAC = Dhaka, Bangladesh where we live. Indian rules do not now allow foreign infants (born in India)
40 B777A340Fan: Thank you and I respect your opinion as well. Call me paranoid or whatever, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Just like you wouldn't ski down the sl
41 ContnlEliteCMH: This was my thought. I have a three-month-old son and a 14-month-old son. (Yep. We're quick workers.) We *always* pack their food and I can't *imagin
42 MarkHKG: Ever since BA had that in-flight surgery with two doctors inserting a chest tube to decompress a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) on a flight from HKG-L
43 DeltaGator: While a sad story people, including babies, die on planes now and then. So now it is the responsibility of the airlines to ensure at least one doctor
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