(Image Credit: Contributed)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

KAMLOOPS FLIGHT DELAY

Precautionary measures taken at Kamloops Airport as emergency responders examine sick passenger

Mar 8, 2020 | 3:19 PM

KAMLOOPS — A flight coming to Kamloops from Calgary was delayed briefly this afternoon as paramedics checked out a reportedly ill passenger.

Passengers on Air Canada flight AC8425 were held on the plane shortly after landing at the Kamloops Airport, as a passenger on that flight was examined by emergency responders.

According to Airport Managing Director Ed Ratuski, passengers were allowed off the aircraft approximately 20 minutes later. He says part of the airport’s protocol during any kind of medical emergency is to have BC Emergency Health Services respond.

“Just given the nature of the current environment with air travel, they decided to hold some of the passengers on board until they determined there was no risk, and it wasn’t related to any of the other issues that are out there in the media right now.”

Ratuski says the actions were taken out of an abundance of caution, and to his knowledge, the passenger’s symptoms did not match those of individuals with COVID-19.

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In an email, Air Canada confirmed that a passenger on AC8425 was ill, and EMS was called to examine the passenger, who was released after being tended to.

CFJC Today has also reached out to BC Emergency Health Services for further information.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, symptoms of COVID-19, are “similar to other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and common cold. They include cough, sneezing, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing.”

Ratuski adds that precautionary measures are in place at YKA for medical events such as this, and the airport takes their direction from health authorities.

“For travellers, because of the attention this is getting in the media, we really encourage people to check the CDC (Centre for Disease Control), and Global Affairs websites if they’re planning on travelling, just to make sure,” stresses Ratuski, “That’s where they’re going to get the best information in terms of the best and current information with travelling and travel restrictions.”