Passengers aboard an Air Canada flight helped crew members manage a pilot who suffered a medical emergency midflight, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Boston.
Air Canada confirmed Flight AC7664, operated by regional partner PAL Airlines, was traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Wednesday when the captain became incapacitated.
The first officer assumed control of the aircraft and safely diverted the flight to Boston, where the captain was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Passenger Rodney McDonald, who was traveling with his wife and two sons, told ABC News the incident began when the aircraft suddenly swerved.
McDonald said a flight attendant rushed into the cockpit before bringing the captain into the aisle. Believing the pilot was experiencing a seizure, McDonald and several other passengers assisted the crew in keeping him safe while the co-pilot flew the aircraft to Boston.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people experiencing a seizure should generally not be physically restrained due to the risk of injury. Instead, those nearby should remove dangerous objects, gently turn the person onto their side when possible, and keep the airway clear.
McDonald described the experience as frightening, saying he and several passengers spent about 40 minutes helping manage the situation until the plane landed.
A registered nurse on board also assisted the crew and helped care for the pilot during the emergency, while McDonald praised the flight attendants for remaining calm and professional throughout the ordeal.
The aircraft was carrying 61 passengers.
Emergency responders met the aircraft upon arrival in Boston, and Air Canada said it is arranging alternate travel for those on board. No passengers were injured during the incident.
