A newly-qualified nurse from Queen’s Hospital in Romford is being praised for her life-saving actions mid-flight after a passenger fell seriously ill en route to the Canary Islands.
Lucy Copping, who works on Harvest A ward, was flying with her family to celebrate her mother’s 60th birthday when an urgent call was made for medical assistance onboard the Tui flight to Tenerife.
Despite being on her first flight since qualifying, Lucy, who was the only passenger to respond, calmly stepped in to assist.
‘I Just Did What I Would Do at Work’
On approaching the patient, Lucy found the passenger unresponsive but still breathing, with an ambulance worker on board noting low oxygen levels and falling blood pressure.
Using her clinical training, Lucy laid the woman across a row of seats and elevated her legs to help restore circulation and stabilise her vitals.
“I just did what I would do if I was at work,” Lucy said. “I focused on getting the passenger’s vital signs in a good place.”
The quick intervention saw the woman regain consciousness and stabilise, allowing her to sit up and drink water. Doctors on the ground were consulted via the crew, presenting two options: divert the plane to Lisbon or continue to Tenerife.
Lucy made the judgment call to continue the flight based on the passenger’s condition, and the woman remained stable until the plane landed safely.
Praise and Recognition from Airline
Upon returning home, Lucy received a thank you card and flowers from Tui in recognition of her professionalism and bravery.
“I thought I’d be asked to write a statement,” Lucy said. “I wasn’t expecting the card and flowers at all but it was really lovely.”
Holiday Celebrated With Mum Despite Mid-Air Drama
Reflecting on the flight and the trip, Lucy added:
“Knowing she had recovered meant we could enjoy the holiday and my mum’s birthday. It did rain a bit but it was lovely and relaxing.”
Her story has since gone viral locally, with many praising the young nurse for remaining calm under pressure and proving that NHS heroes are never off duty—even at 30,000 feet.
