Narrative:

Cruising at FL320; we were advised that there was a medical issue with a male passenger. This notice was given as we (flight deck crew) were finishing our last break. We were advised that a doctor had volunteered to help. In a short time; we were advised that the ill passenger was found unconscious and unresponsive when the issue was first brought to the flight attendants by his wife. At first; the issue seemed to be an adverse reaction to anti- malaria medication and that he had spent the day before in bed (with associated vomiting). When the doctor first checked his blood pressure; it was 65/45. The low blood pressure and the man's condition were enough that the doctor made the comment that the ill man's condition was serious. By then all three pilots were now on the flight deck and simultaneously communicating with ATC; dispatch/ medlink; and the flight attendants assisting with the ill passenger. ATC was initially advised that we had a medical issue. Medlink advised us to arrange for paramedics to meet the flight at our arrival gate. We were then advised that the passenger's blood pressure had improved. Up to this point; we were considering diverting to dtw or continuing to ord. With the news of the improvement; we informed medlink who then recommended to continue to ord and have paramedics meet the flight. At this time; we also notified ATC to assure expedited handling to ord.we requested direct routing and received a direct course to 'fyer' and with a descent to 9000 feet (chicago center - just prior to ord approach). We also asked for a high-speed descent but we were; told that even in an emergency the 250 kt speed restriction must be adhered. We were very busy at this point and did not argue. When turned over to ord approach; we again asked for high speed below 10;000 feet and [we] were given speed at our discretion. We were given the ILS 28R. We verified that we were a medical emergency flight. The approach; tower and ground controllers asked which gate we would park at; acknowledging that we were a medical emergency. In all dispatch; medlink; and ATC were advised and knew that we requested and required paramedics to meet the flight - everyone was aware of our medical emergency status. We parked at gate; the medics did not arrive and climb the jet way stairs until 20 minutes later. Initially I asked that all passengers remain seated. After a few minutes without the paramedics even at the gate and no known positive arrival time; the flight attendants began a restricted de-boarding by sections. By the time; the paramedics arrived first; business; and most of economy had left leaving the passengers in the last 10 or so rows. After much effort using cpr; the paramedics removed the ill passenger. My realization is that not many people are able to recognize; nor take seriously; time sensitive critical medical conditions.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air carrier Captain reported an incident with a severely ill passenger during flight; and that the emergency response at the ground failed to handle the incident expeditiously.

Narrative: Cruising at FL320; we were advised that there was a medical issue with a male passenger. This notice was given as we (flight deck crew) were finishing our last break. We were advised that a doctor had volunteered to help. In a short time; we were advised that the ill passenger was found unconscious and unresponsive when the issue was first brought to the flight attendants by his wife. At first; the issue seemed to be an adverse reaction to anti- malaria medication and that he had spent the day before in bed (with associated vomiting). When the doctor first checked his blood pressure; it was 65/45. The low blood pressure and the man's condition were enough that the doctor made the comment that the ill man's condition was serious. By then all three pilots were now on the flight deck and simultaneously communicating with ATC; Dispatch/ Medlink; and the flight attendants assisting with the ill passenger. ATC was initially advised that we had a medical issue. Medlink advised us to arrange for paramedics to meet the flight at our arrival gate. We were then advised that the passenger's blood pressure had improved. Up to this point; we were considering diverting to DTW or continuing to ORD. With the news of the improvement; we informed Medlink who then recommended to continue to ORD and have paramedics meet the flight. At this time; we also notified ATC to assure expedited handling to ORD.We requested direct routing and received a direct course to 'FYER' and with a descent to 9000 feet (Chicago center - just prior to ORD approach). We also asked for a high-speed descent but we were; told that even in an emergency the 250 kt speed restriction must be adhered. We were very busy at this point and did not argue. When turned over to ORD approach; we again asked for high speed below 10;000 feet and [we] were given speed at our discretion. We were given the ILS 28R. We verified that we were a medical emergency flight. The approach; tower and ground controllers asked which gate we would park at; acknowledging that we were a medical emergency. In all Dispatch; Medlink; and ATC were advised and knew that we requested and required paramedics to meet the flight - everyone was aware of our medical emergency status. We parked at gate; the medics did not arrive and climb the jet way stairs until 20 minutes later. Initially I asked that all passengers remain seated. After a few minutes without the paramedics even at the gate and no known positive arrival time; the flight attendants began a restricted de-boarding by sections. By the time; the paramedics arrived first; business; and most of economy had left leaving the passengers in the last 10 or so rows. After much effort using CPR; the paramedics removed the ill passenger. My realization is that not many people are able to recognize; nor take seriously; time sensitive critical medical conditions.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.