Scout Leader Responds to In-Flight Cardiac Emergency: A Tale of Preparedness and Heroism

NEW YORK — “Be prepared for whatever life throws your way” is not merely a guiding principle for Evan Gilder, a seasoned scout leader; it is a tenet he has embodied throughout his extensive career with the Scouts. This summer, Gilder's steadfast commitment to this principle was put to a profound test during an unexpected in-flight emergency following a rigorous backpacking expedition in the New Mexico wilderness.

As the leader of a group consisting of 10 scouts from New York and New Jersey, Gilder had diligently prepared for any conceivable medical emergencies that could arise in the remote and challenging terrain of their 100-mile trek. Despite holding a CPR certification for the entirety of his 14-year leadership, Gilder had never anticipated having to employ his skills in such a high-altitude setting—at 30,000 feet above sea level.

The critical incident transpired on July 11 as Gilder and his troop were returning from their wilderness adventure aboard a Southwest Airlines flight heading to New York. The flight, which initially marked the tranquil end of their arduous journey, took a dramatic turn when a flight attendant made an urgent call for medical professionals onboard. Although a doctor and two nurse practitioners—one of whom was traveling with Gilder’s troop—volunteered their assistance, the gravity of the situation quickly became evident, necessitating additional help.

A passenger seated at the front of the aircraft had suffered a cardiac arrest. Recognizing the urgency and severity of the situation, Gilder was soon summoned to offer his assistance. The circumstances escalated rapidly as the onboard medical professionals determined that more hands were needed to administer continuous chest compressions to the incapacitated passenger. Given the physical demands and fatigue associated with performing CPR, which requires frequent rotation of individuals to maintain effectiveness, Gilder enlisted the help of two scouts from his troop.

The nature of CPR, characterized by its physically taxing and repetitive nature, necessitates that compressions be alternated frequently to prevent exhaustion and maintain their efficacy. Gilder, the scouts, and the medical professionals collaboratively formed a four-person team. They alternated administering compressions to the passenger’s chest, all while the anxious family of the passenger observed the intense efforts unfold from the front row.

Amid the high-pressure environment of an in-flight medical emergency, the team utilized the aircraft’s medical kit to explore all available treatments. Among the items they retrieved were EpiPens—devices containing a dose of Epinephrine typically used to treat severe allergic reactions. In a desperate bid to revive the passenger’s heart, the team administered the EpiPens while continuing their relentless CPR efforts.

The emergency situation persisted for over 40 minutes as the aircraft made an emergency descent into Pittsburgh. As the plane neared its destination, the flight crew instructed the volunteers to sit down and fasten their seatbelts in preparation for landing. However, one of the doctors intervened, informing the flight attendant that ceasing CPR would likely result in the passenger’s death. An innovative compromise was reached: the patient was moved to a row of seats where the CPR team could remain secured in their seats while continuing compressions.

Just prior to landing, the team’s unwavering efforts paid off—the passenger’s heart was detected to have a pulse. The plane landed safely, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) took over, transporting the passenger to a hospital for further medical attention.

In the days following the incident, the passenger’s family expressed their profound gratitude to the medical professionals and scouts involved, sharing that the passenger had been stabilized and was under sedation. This communication was relayed by Gilder, who reflected on the experience in an essay titled “A Story of Pikuach Nefesh (Saving a Life),” which he distributed to friends and acquaintances.

The scouts involved are affiliated with the National Jewish Scouting Committee. Among them, one is an Eagle Scout—the highest rank attainable in Scouting—while the other is scheduled to achieve Eagle Scout status the following week. In recognition of their heroic actions, Southwest Airlines issued a statement expressing their appreciation for the scouts and medical professionals' invaluable contributions during the crisis.

Upon the passenger’s safe removal from the plane, Gilder and his scouts took the opportunity to thank fellow passengers who contributed EpiPens, moved seats to support the rescue efforts, or endured flight delays. Gilder acknowledged the uncertain nature of the outcome, emphasizing that, while the final result remained unclear, the collective efforts of those on board had undoubtedly averted what could have been a tragic outcome.

“We did what we needed to do,” Gilder remarked with a profound sense of accomplishment. “That guy has a chance. He’s breathing, he has a heart that’s beating.” The experience underscores the enduring value of preparedness and the remarkable impact that collective action and readiness can have in the face of unexpected and life-threatening challenges.