Doc on board glad to help in a crisis

IN response to “Is There a Doctor on Board? No? Odds Are Still in Your Favor” [Travel Insider, June 11]. I am a physician. I have traveled quite a bit over the years and have been called upon several times to help with medical emergencies.

The first one I remember was on a flight from Boston to California. I was still a resident. A child had a seizure, and I stayed with the child and cared for it until we landed.

As I recall, all that was available was oxygen and, I think, a blood pressure cuff. The family and the airline personnel thanked me as we did not have to land prematurely. I do not recall which airline it was, but they sent me a certificate for $50 off my next flight.

I do not need to get any reward for such services, though a thank you is really appreciated. I am happy to do it; that is why I am a doctor. A fringe benefit is that my children were thrilled to see me “in action.”

FRED GALLUCCIO

Newport Beach