Tales from 30,000 Feet: Medical Emergencies Edition

Finally, after all the planning and preparing, it was time to depart for ALASKA. Sue and I met at the Rochester airport around 3:30pm to catch our 5:30pm flight to Chicago. Even with all the construction, the bags were checked, promptly and security was swift, arriving at the gate with time to spare.

Sue and Sheila in United Club Lounge

Given the busy activity at the gate area, the extra $25 to ensure early boarding was a prudent investment, as we were able to be amongst the first to board and get settled. It was a completely full flight for this short 1 hour 30 minute flight to Chicago.

Pro Tip: Check your itineraries on the airline websites. Sometimes they offer trip enhancements (like early boarding, priority security, better seats) for only a few dollars more.

The first medical emergency of the day occurred when the passenger who brought an unregistered oxygen tank on the aircraft did not know how to use it. This caused a minor medical kerfuffle, but helpful crew members resolved the problem quickly and professionally.

Next up, our 5 hour 45 minute flight from O’Hare to Ted Stevens International Airport. Thankfully we had time to decompress while ensconced in high back velvet chairs with crystal chandeliers over our head in one of the recently renovated United Club lounges. It’s easy to forget you are in an airport, given the lack of foot traffic and the relaxed atmosphere around you. Light snacks, salads and free drinks were an added bonus while anticipating the next leg of our trip. At midnight, we boarded Alaska Airlines for the final leg of our journey. 

Our second medical emergency of the day occurred not long after departure. It’s easy to dismiss that familiar “DING” sound when someone presses the flight attendant button, but we became a little more alert when the call “if there is a doctor or other medical personnel on board, please ring your call button” went out in the cabin A first responder jumped into action and assisted a passenger with heart trouble. With the patient sedated and resting comfortably through the rest of the flight, we eagerly anticipated our trip to Gracie’s home in Eagle River, a half hour drive from the airport.

Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport is the gateway to many of the travel adventures in Alaska and was humming with activity upon our arrival, at 3:30am. The airport has world class treasures of Native American artwork and a wonderful collection of taxidermy animals - bears, musk ox, trumpeter swans and moose.

Eagerly anticipating our trip to Gracie's home, after securing our rental vehicle we headed northeast to Eagle River, a half hour drive from the airport. Sue said driving to Eagle River and looking at the pine trees on the mountain was like being in a postcard!  Here we are at long last! Excited to begin our Alaska adventure. Photos of the road to Gracie's home, our home away from home, and the lovely flowers on her front porch.