Cruising at 35,000′ (10,668m), halfway into our eight hour journey, my finally, I think I am asleep slumber was interrupted by turbulence.

A flight attendant then began asking a passenger across the aisle to “get up”, “get up”, “Sir you must take your seat. The captain has illuminated the seat belt sign”.

I glanced to my right and was astonished to see a tall man lying on the floor, from one end of the 777’s bulkhead to another.

The flight attendant attempted to lift the passenger, without success. “OK, I will have to call the Captain“.

A number of flight attendants quickly congregated just in front of my somewhat cozy exit row seat. A large first aid suitcase appeared along with a defibrillator.

The lead flight attendant sought assistance: “Ladies & gentlemen, we have a medical situation and are looking for a doctor. Please ring your call button and we will find you.”

Two physicians appeared. The seasoned flight attendant asked for ID. The first doctor – well tanned from a vacation – said he did not carry a card. The flight attendant asked where he practiced and if he knew Dr. _____________. “He’s an opthamologist, right?”. “Yes, ok, you’re a doctor”.

The second doctor was an Army captain on his way to Afghanistan.

Three nurses appeared as well.

They quickly went to work, checking the sedate man’s vitals including his pulse, blood pressure and temperature.

More communication with the Captain.

The passenger and his wife spoke little English.

The medical volunteers decided to check next for diabetes. “Does anyone on board have a diabetes monitor?” (I have likely erred in the name of this device).

Two passengers appeared with their devices….

The medical team and flight crew were making little progress talking with the man’s wife. Soon, the lead flight attendant sought another volunteer “Does anyone on board speak Czech?”

The odds were loooooooooong, I thought, now standing to give the passenger assistance crowd more space.

Yes! A young Czech woman appeared. Communication happened. What were the odds?

90 minutes of flying time remained. The passenger was stable. We continued to jet east, seeking a sunrise.

More conversation with the Captain. We seemed to accelerate a bit. There would be no circling. Landing was prompt and foggy. I don’t recall such a direct approach on any previous flight.

All passengers were asked to stay seated while the paramedics walked on board and attended to the patient.

Remarkably, he walked off the plane with them….

I fondly recall this event as a wonderful example of human to human kindness. I did not observe any passenger grumbling, rather I enjoyed plenty of grace that recent night, at 35,000 feet.