General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Titus Beyuo, has called for an improvement in the general emergency preparedness in the country following the death of a passenger at the airport.
Speaking on the death of a middle-aged male passenger who arrived onboard at Kotoka International Airport, he averred that the move will be one that is very necessary and beneficial.
According to Dr. Beyuo, since he is s not privy to the full facts of the matter regarding the passenger who died at KIA after arriving from the United States, he cannot make any pronouncement on the situation.
“It is difficult to speak directly to this case. But as a physician or as a doctor, I will say that if someone complains of tiredness after a long flight, one of the first things we think about is something we call pulmonary embolism.”
Dr. Titus Beyuo
Dr. Beyuo explained that Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, which in most cases is caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from deep veins in the legs or, rarely, from veins in other parts of the body.
Speaking also on death, cousin of the deceased, James Baiden, indicated that they were set to visit their father in Kumasi when they heard the sad news about his passing at the Airport.
“Our mother died last year and our father is in Ghana so they decided to fly over to Ghana so that we can all visit our father in Kumasi. My cousin arrived. We were on our way to meet him and we heard he has died at the airport upon arrival.”
James Baiden
James Baiden added that the family is meeting as early as possible to also give their side of what actually happened to their relative.
“We have seen the Ghana Airport Company release a statement. We will be having a meeting on the issue and we will also release an official statement.”
James Baiden
GACL on death of passenger
Both comments came after the Management of the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) confirmed that on Friday, June 17, 2022, a middle-aged male passenger arrived onboard United Airlines at the KIA from Dulles International Airport Washington at approximately 10:20 am in the company of a relative.
The GACL stated that the passenger was reported to have complained of tiredness and had difficulty in breathing. He was subsequently offered a wheelchair by the Ground Handler.
The statement indicated that the passenger became unconscious at the arrival hall and received medical attention but was unresponsive. GACL indicated that he was conveyed to the airport clinic for further attention but unfortunately passed on.
“In line with protocols, the Airport District Police station was immediately informed. Ghana Airport Company Limited has commenced an investigation into the incident. Management extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.”
GACL
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