> At a Glance
> – Andrew Rawle went into anaphylactic shock on a Jan. 4 Virgin Australia flight
> – Used his own EpiPen, then a second one from a fellow passenger
> – Pilots accelerated to reach Newman airport faster
> – Why it matters: Shows how quick crew action and passenger kindness can be life-saving when medical kits lack EpiPens
Andrew Rawle credits a Virgin Australia crew and a generous stranger for saving his life after a sudden, severe allergic reaction mid-flight.
Mid-Flight Emergency
Rawle, who is allergic to nuts and some medications, felt his throat closing up shortly after eating cheese and crackers that contained no obvious allergens. He retrieved his EpiPen from carry-on and asked crew if he could inject himself behind the curtain.
> “I’d gone incredibly tomato red,” Rawle told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Second Wave
About 20 minutes after the first injection, Rawle sensed another reaction building. Crew supplied oxygen and asked passengers for an extra EpiPen.
- A young woman he didn’t know pressed the call button and handed over her injector
- Rawle used it on his other leg
- Pilots increased speed to get him medical help sooner
Aftermath
An ambulance met the aircraft in Newman, giving Rawle adrenaline and transporting him to hospital. Virgin Australia did not respond to News Of Los Angeles‘s request for comment.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| EpiPen on aircraft | Not available |
| Crew medical training | Includes anaphylaxis response |
| Outcome | Passenger recovered |
Rawle suspects residue on the safety card from a previous flight may have triggered his worst-ever reaction. He praised both the crew and the stranger who stepped up.
> “I don’t think we’d have made it anywhere… had that passenger not put their hand up.”
Key Takeaways
- Australian cabin crews are trained to manage anaphylaxis
- Virgin Australia’s medical kit on this flight lacked an EpiPen
- A fellow passenger’s quick offer of her own injector proved crucial
- Pilots can expedite landing when medical time is critical
Rawle says he’s grateful for service “outside the normal scope” and for one unknown traveler’s willingness to help.
