During a recent WestJet flight from Winnipeg to Vancouver, Winnipeg Nurse Practitioner Hardeep Dhillon stepped in to assist a passenger experiencing a medical emergency. Mid-flight, a call for medical professionals was made over the intercom after another passenger became unwell.
Hardeep, who was travelling on the flight, responded quickly. After the cabin crew confirmed his credentials, he assessed the situation and provided care to the passenger alongside another healthcare professional. Together with the cabin crew, the team ensured the passenger received the attention they needed until paramedics arrived when the flight landed in Vancouver.
When reflecting on the incident, Hardeep said, “It was truly remarkable to witness nearly 200 people come together in a shared experience of concern and compassion for a single individual in their time of need. The passengers, crew, and other medical professionals on board were outstanding in their support and accommodations. It was humbling to be a part of such a unique experience.”
This situation highlights the readiness of healthcare professionals and is a perfect example of how nurses go above and beyond—whether they’re in a hospital or 35,000 feet in the air. Hardeep’s quick thinking and professionalism remind us all why nurses are the backbone of healthcare. They’re always ready, always prepared, and always putting their patients first—even off the clock.
Thank you, Hardeep, for your dedication and for representing Manitoba nurses in the best possible way.