Flight makes unplanned stop for medical emergency

The Ryanair flight was on its way to Bournemouth

A plane from Gran Canaria to Bournemouth made an unplanned stop in France after a medical emergency began to unfold.

The Ryanair aircraft had been about half way to its destination on Monday when flight attendants asked if anyone on board was medically trained.

One of the passengers described how a retired cardiologist came forward and treated a woman who was thought to be having a heart attack.

The flight diverted to Brest Bretangne, where the woman was further treated by emergency services before being transported to hospital.

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft resumed its journey about an hour later.

Chris Howard had been returning from holiday when he noticed crew members crowding around a passenger at the front of the plane.

The woman was treated by medical staff when the flight landed

He said: "Suddenly the bongs came up over the PA system and they said 'if there is a medically-trained passenger on board, can you make yourself known immediately, please'.

"One of the passengers put their light on and they went and spoke to him.

"The doctor ended up speaking to the pilot and we began a very rapid descent.

"Turned out the guy was a retired cardiologist and the lady was having a heart attack."

Mr Howard said Ryanair staff did a good job of keeping the woman shielded from "lots of nosey people".

After landing in Brest, emergency services boarded the plane and treated the woman before moving her to a stretcher.

"Approximately an hour later we were taking off and were on our way home, which was amazing really," said Mr Howard.

"We all felt like they've done a smashing job."

A Ryanair statement said: "This flight from Gran Canaria to Bournemouth diverted to Brest after a passenger became ill onboard.

"The crew called ahead for medical assistance to meet the aircraft upon landing at Brest Airport.

"The passenger was disembarked and transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment. This flight continued to Bournemouth that same day."