Emily, a 33-year-old Canadian influencer on TikTok under the name alwayssingingmom, was on a 13-hour layover between Toronto and Dubai in February 2025, where she was looking forward to vacation time. Little did she know that the trip would become a nightmare event that would stress the importance of mobility in long flights and the awareness of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
The Emergency Unfolds
About an hour into the flight, Emily decided to go to the washroom-an activity she had almost considered unremarkable, given that this was the first time she stood up since boarding. While waiting, she felt a sudden, deep, dull ache in her chest. She attempted to cough but just before doing so became unconscious, falling down in the aisle. The fall gave her a black eye and bruised her arm. She was out of it for about five minutes, during which time passengers and flight attendants rushed in to help her. A physician among the passengers gave emergency first aid, administering oxygen and moving her to the business class to be better observed.
Diagnosis-Saddle Pulmonary Embolism
She was taken to a medical facility in Dubai shortly after landing, where she was diagnosed with a fatal saddle pulmonary embolism-i.e., when a clot enters the pulmonary artery and obstructs blood flow to the lungs. Doctors attributed that much to prolonged immobility during the flight, taking into consideration also her use of estrogen-based birth control pills and that she wore compression stockings. She was hospitalized for the next six days for intensive treatment to dissolve the clot and to stabilize her condition.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism Explained
When a blood clot develops in a deep vein, usually in the leg, DVT is said to occur. If that ever happens, the clot can dislodge and float into the lungs, underlying its description as a pulmonary embolism, a situation that is the direct end-result of death. Conditions that favor the occurrence of DVT involve long periods of inactivity such as extended flights, dehydration, certain medications, for example, estrogenic contraceptives, and genetic predisposition.
Emily's Recovery and Advocacy
Emily is thankful that she survived and has taken to social media to inform others of her experience in the hope of spreading awareness on the risks associated with long immobility on flights. She therefore passionately advocates for keeping active, hydrated, and alert with the health concerns of air travel for oneself. Her advocacy has so poignantly highlighted unknown risks in flying long and why preventive measures are important.
Travel Measures against DVT
Long-haul air travel can give rise to deep venous thrombosis (DVT), which predisposes one to pulmonary embolism, and preventive measures for travelers are as follows:
- Regular movement: stand up and walk down the aisle every hour or two.
- Seated exercise: flexion and extension of the ankles and rotation of the feet; bending the knees every so often.
- Hydration: drink plenty of water and reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Compression stockings; they enhance blood flow in the legs.
- Advice from a healthcare provider at higher risk is advised to consult with medical personnel before planning a trip.
Emily's near-death experience is a pretty striking reminder of the health risks associated with air travel. Her experience throws light on the need to ensure awareness and proactive measures for passenger well-being while flying. As the fly becomes increasingly common, it narrates how important in-flight health education and preventive measures are.
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