Suspended doctor Philip Nitschke helps during mid-flight medical emergency

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  Philip Nitschke

Suspended doctor and voluntary euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke has been called on to help with a medical emergency on a flight from Los Angeles to Sydney.

Dr Nitschke was approached by staff on Qantas flight QF12 to help a passenger with cancer who became seriously ill during the flight.

The patient, a man with a pre-existing medical condition, became unresponsive at times, prompting the crew to seek medical assistance.

Dr Nitschke’s partner Fiona Stewart, who was travelling with him, said Dr Nitschke checked the man’s blood pressure and medication and sat with him during the final hours of the flight that arrived in Sydney this morning.

Dr Nitschke informed the crew his licence had been suspended, but he was asked to assist in the absence of other medical practitioners, according to Ms Stewart.

It is believed the man was seated in business class, due to the nature of his illness, while his young family was seated in economy.

Dr Nitschke remained with the man throughout the flight, which was met by an ambulance at the arrival gate.

A Qantas spokeswoman confirmed a medical incident occurred on QF12, but would not provide details.

She said Dr Nitschke accompanied the man in an ambulance from Sydney airport to Royal North Shore Hospital.

The Medical Board suspended Dr Nitschke’s medical license after he gave advice about suicide to a Perth man who was not terminally ill.

Ms Stewart said Dr Nitschke is not allowed to treat patients, but provided care for the man on a “good Samaritan” basis.

She said Dr Nitschke and she were in the United States for meetings with members of the voluntary euthanasia organisation Final Exit Network.