On August 14, 2024, Xiamen Airlines' esteemed flight attendant, Zhang Haiqin, embarked on her final mission after a remarkable 31-year tenure, marking her 11,609th day with the airline. Her last flight was anything but routine, as an unexpected medical emergency unfolded, testing her skills and dedication one last time.

As the MF890 flight from Malé to Xiamen cruised through the night, most passengers were asleep. At 3:05 am, Zhang Haiqin was making her rounds when a distressed passenger, Ms. Men, clutched her arm. Ms. Men was experiencing severe stomach discomfort, palpitations, and weakness, her condition rapidly deteriorating to the point of losing consciousness. Zhang Haiqin swiftly sprang into action, applying pressure to Ms. Men's midline point to stimulate consciousness while summoning her crew for assistance. The crew coordinated a well-orchestrated response, broadcasting a call for medical assistance, informing the captain, and preparing an oxygen tank and the emergency medical kit.

In a stroke of luck, Dr. Wang Shaojie from Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, was among the passengers. The crew promptly roused Dr. Wang, who wasted no time in initiating an in-flight rescue operation.

Dr. Wang swiftly assessed Ms. Men's vitals, taking her heart rate and blood pressure, and delved into her medical history. His diagnosis: "The vagus nerve's nocturnal over-excitement can naturally lead to a drop in blood pressure and a decrease in heart rate. The 'heartburn' from reflux further stimulated the visceral nerves, exacerbating the vagal response." Acting with urgency, Dr. Wang provided first aid as the flight crew issued a broadcast plea for appropriate medication, which was then administered under his supervision. Within twenty minutes, Ms. Men's condition showed significant improvement, with her vitals stabilizing and her consciousness returning.

Throughout the remainder of the journey, the crew maintained a vigilant watch over Ms. Men, with Zhang Haiqin ensuring that Dr. Wang was seated adjacent to the patient to facilitate ongoing care and monitoring.

In the end, the flight arrived smoothly in Xiamen, and Ms. Men’s vital signs remained stable. After the flight stopped at the bridge, ground staff had prepared a wheelchair in advance to wait for Ms. Men. Due to Ms. Men’s original plan to transfer to Xi’an later, the ground service personnel handed over the information to Zhang Haiqin and escorted her all the way to meet her friend who came to pick her up. They also arranged for her to change her flight back to Xi’an for free.

 “I was in critical condition back then. If my symptoms weren’t relieved for another half hour, the consequences would be unimaginable. I’d like to specially thank Wang Shaojie, Chief Steward Zhang Haiqin of Xiamen Airlines MF890, and all other crew members.” Afterwards, Ms. Men expressed her gratitude to the doctor and Xiamen Airlines crew for their high-altitude rescue. Dr. Wang also praised, “The onboard first-aid is very professional. Xiamen Airlines, good job!”

For Zhang Haiqin, such emergency interventions are part of her storied 31-year career. Last year, on a flight from Fuzhou to Kunming, a passenger suddenly turned pale and broke out in a cold sweat, unconscious upon calling. Thanks to the emergency assistance from Zhang's crew, the passenger landed safely. In June of this year, on a flight to Paris, Zhang attentively cared for a passenger who had suffered a severe ankle injury and tailbone discomfort, ensuring a smooth landing in Paris. The passenger later sent a letter of thanks, highly commending Zhang and the crew for their efficient and warm service, "Thank you for your efficient and warm service that saved my long-awaited journey!"

With a legacy of over 20,000 hours of safe flying, Zhang Haiqing’s final flight was a testament to her unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of her passengers, a fitting finale to a distinguished career in the skies.