A man had heart attack symptoms on a flight. A cardiologist and a pocket-sized tool on board may have helped save his life

CNN - May 18th, 2025
Open on CNN

Oklahoma cardiologist Dr. TJ Trad heroically intervened to save a passenger experiencing severe chest pain during a flight from Uganda to Amsterdam. Using his medical expertise and tools from a recent mission trip, including a 12-lead ECG and a pocket-sized KardiaMobile card, Trad assessed and treated the man for a suspected heart attack. His decisive action, which involved calming the patient and administering five medications, stabilized the passenger, allowing the flight to continue safely to Amsterdam without an emergency landing.

Dr. Trad's intervention highlights the importance of preparedness and the impact of medical missions. His own experience with a heart attack underscored his readiness and resourcefulness, underlining the significance of having portable medical devices available in unexpected situations. This incident not only underscores the potential life-saving role of medical professionals in non-traditional settings but also emphasizes the notion of being in the right place at the right time, as Trad was only on this flight due to a postponed mission trip. The outcome serves as a testament to the value of quick, informed medical response, potentially preventing severe health consequences for the passenger.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The news story effectively captures a dramatic and life-saving event, highlighting the critical role of Dr. T.J. Trad in managing an in-flight medical emergency. The article is well-written, engaging, and timely, addressing a topic of public interest with relevance to travelers and healthcare professionals. However, the story could benefit from additional sources and perspectives to enhance its balance and source quality. While it provides a clear and accurate account of the incident, further verification of specific details would strengthen its credibility. Overall, the article serves as an informative piece on the importance of medical preparedness during flights, with potential implications for airline policies and individual awareness.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The news story appears largely accurate in its depiction of the in-flight medical emergency and the role of Dr. T.J. Trad. The report correctly identifies Dr. Trad as a cardiologist and describes his actions during the flight, such as using a pocket-sized ECG device and administering medication. However, the story could benefit from additional verification of certain details, such as the exact medications used and the precise nature of the patient's condition post-incident. The claim that the patient was not diagnosed with a heart attack upon hospital examination aligns with the narrative, but it would be important to verify these medical outcomes with hospital records or official statements.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on Dr. Trad's perspective and actions, providing a detailed account of his role in the emergency. While this focus is understandable given his central role, the story could be more balanced by including perspectives from the flight crew, the patient, or other passengers. The inclusion of a quote from the patient's wife adds some balance, but additional voices would enrich the narrative and provide a fuller picture of the incident.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to follow, with a clear narrative structure that guides the reader through the events of the in-flight emergency. The language is straightforward, and the tone is neutral, focusing on the facts of the incident without sensationalism. The use of direct quotes from Dr. Trad and the patient's wife adds to the story's clarity, providing personal insights into the situation.

5
Source quality

The article relies heavily on Dr. Trad's account, which is detailed and credible given his expertise as a cardiologist. However, the story would benefit from corroborating sources, such as statements from the airline, medical records from the hospital, or eyewitness accounts from other passengers. The reliance on a single primary source limits the depth of the reporting and raises questions about potential bias or incomplete information.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of the events, including Dr. Trad's background and the circumstances leading to the in-flight emergency. However, it lacks transparency in terms of sourcing; it does not specify whether Dr. Trad was directly interviewed or if his account was obtained through secondary means. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or affiliations that might affect the story's impartiality.

Sources

  1. https://ground.news/article/a-man-had-heart-attack-symptoms-on-a-flight-a-cardiologist-and-a-pocket-sized-tool-on-board-may-have-helped-save-his-life
  2. https://www.stillwater-medical.org/providers/tj-trad/
  3. https://kvia.com/category/cnn-national/
  4. https://www.alras.me/store/index.php?productID=4886&discuss=yes
  5. https://www.h2fc-tokyo.com/calendar_detail/id=966