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Marroquin began looking through the plane's medical supply kit to see if the patient needed any available medications. Once they got the supplies, Tran started an IV and infused normal saline.
"I had to get a little creative, given the limited resources (no IV poles), and used my keychain carabiner to elevate and hang the IV bag to luggage handles in the overhead storage compartment to allow for stronger gravitational pull and faster flow rate of the IV fluid boluses," he said.
They changed their seating to be closer to her, and through the 6-hour flight, they intermittently reassessed her well-being, spiked new fluid bags, and checked the passenger's vitals.
When they landed in Los Angeles, the United Airlines' Emergency Medical Services came on board and took over her care.
"I gave her my well wishes and gained a core memory of that flight," said Tran.
Though both students had exposure to the medical field before joining the School of Medicine, Tran believes the many opportunities the school provides to meet and learn from patients, both standardized and in the community, helped them care for the passenger in need.
"In my case," Tran said, "it was the time I spent with patients at the AHEC [Area Health Education Centers] and the Student-Run Clinic. These experiences helped me feel more confident in meeting and building rapport with someone I've just met."
He said that his medical school education allowed him to participate in training such as BLS, the Stop The Bleed Course, and third-year clerkship orientation, where he most recently practiced placing an IV.
"I'm grateful for the many opportunities I have received while learning medicine in the Valley," said Tran. "I am confident that the knowledge I have gained and the skills I acquired through my medical education at the UTRGV School of Medicine has granted me the privilege and duty to help others in their time of need."
Thank you, Tran and Marroquin, for rending your life-saving skills!
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