A healthy 33-year-old woman suffered a near-fatal medical emergency on a long-haul flight, calling it a “miracle” that she survived.
Emily, who shares her experiences on TikTok as ‘alwayssingingmom,’ was flying 13 hours non-stop from Toronto to Dubai last month when disaster struck.
A Terrifying Mid-Flight Collapse
For the first 10 hours of the flight, Emily remained seated, engrossed in the in-flight entertainment. However, when she finally stood up to use the restroom, she collapsed before reaching the bathroom.
“I was waiting for the bathroom and I got this really deep, dull aching pain in my chest out of nowhere,” she explained in a viral TikTok video.
“I coughed three times, and that was the last thing I remember.”
Emily lost consciousness for five minutes, suffering a black eye and severe bruising from the fall. Fortunately, a doctor onboard and quick-thinking flight attendants were able to assist her.
A Silent Killer: The Hidden Danger of Blood Clots
Once the plane landed, medical tests revealed that Emily had suffered a saddle pulmonary embolism—a life-threatening blood clot that lodged in the main pulmonary artery, cutting off blood flow to both lungs.
According to Healthline, a saddle PE is often fatal, as the clot straddles both lung arteries, causing symptoms such as:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Fever
The American Society of Hematology warns that long periods of immobility on flights can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolisms.
Certain risk factors—including tight seating for over eight hours, oral contraceptives, pregnancy, hormone therapy, and smoking—can further raise the likelihood of developing a potentially deadly blood clot.
Emily’s Warning to Travelers
After six days in the hospital, Emily is now recovering but has issued an urgent warning to fellow travelers:
“Please get up and move on your flights,” she urged.
She also encouraged anyone on estrogen-based birth control or hormone therapy to consult their doctor before flying, as these medications can increase the risk of blood clots.
Her story serves as a critical reminder that taking small precautions—such as stretching, walking around, and staying hydrated—can help prevent life-threatening complications on long-haul flights.
