Tragic Incident Involving American Airlines
A woman from New York has sued American Airlines after her 14-year-old son tragically passed away following a medical emergency on a flight. The lawsuit highlights serious issues regarding the aircraft’s defibrillator and the flight crew’s training.
Details of the Incident
- 14-year-old Kevin Greenidge was flying home to New York City with his family from a summer vacation in Honduras.
- While in midair, he suddenly lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest.
- The teen’s mother claims the flight crew did not respond promptly to her calls for help and struggled to use the defibrillator.
- The plane was diverted to Cancun, Mexico, where Kevin was taken to a hospital but, sadly, he was pronounced dead.
Cause of Death and Lawsuit Allegations
Kevin Greenidge, who suffered from asthma and type 2 diabetes, passed away due to myocardial infarction. The lawsuit alleges that his death was a result of the defendant’s carelessness, recklessness, and negligence.
The lawsuit further claims that when the crew attempted to use the plane’s automated external defibrillator (AED), they encountered difficulties in operating it effectively, leading to a failure in providing the necessary medical intervention.
Witnesses reported that despite clear warnings from the AED to administer a shock, it was not delivered, and the machine continued to advise CPR instead.
Mother’s Plea for Accountability
Following the tragic loss of her son, Melissa Arzu, Kevin’s mother, expressed her frustration with American Airlines for their lack of communication and accountability. She demands answers and full responsibility from the airline to prevent such incidents from happening to other families.
Training Requirements for Flight Attendants
It is essential for flight attendants working for US-based airlines to be proficient in CPR and the use of automatic external defibrillators to handle medical emergencies effectively.
American Airlines, while refraining from commenting on the ongoing litigation, expressed their condolences to Mr. Greenidge’s family.
