Hero Brit doctor saves stranger's life on airport floor after landing in Miami for holiday

Hero Brit doctor saves stranger's life on airport floor after landing in Miami for holiday Quick-thinking Elena Sumanariu knew exactly what to do in the critical minutes before further medical support arrived as she carried out the resuscitation on the airport floor An heroic doctor dramatically saved the life of a stranger on an airport floor who had collapsed as his heart stopped beating moments after they touched down in Florida. Elena Sumanariu, who works at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent, had just arrived in Miami for a holiday when she found herself at the centre of a dramatic life-or-death situation. After rushing to help, the medic realised the man had no pulse, and immediately began CPR while the airport's emergency team were called. Thanks to her quick-thinking, the man's heart was restarted with the aid of a defibrillator - and Elena has now received a letter of thanks from American Airlines' corporate medical director. Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings. "Although the situation was unexpected and naturally stressful, my medical training took over, and my response felt almost instinctive," the speciality registrar said. "I recognised the emergency, assessed the situation quickly and immediately stepped forward to provide medical assistance while the airport emergency team was mobilised. "Being away from my usual clinical environment made the situation quite different from responding to an emergency in hospital, but the fundamental principles of resuscitation remain the same. In that moment, there was very little time to think about anything other than what needed to be done. "I was very grateful to be in a position to help, and particularly grateful that the outcome was positive." Clinical leader Dr Saba Mahmood, who works for East Kent Hospitals, says Elena's "quick-thinking, medical expertise and calm response" made a "significant difference". "Although this happened thousands of miles away from East Kent, we are incredibly proud that she is a member of the EKH team," she said. Her actions are a wonderful example of the compassion, professionalism and dedication that our colleagues demonstrate every day - both inside and outside of the workplace. "We are extremely proud to work alongside her and delighted to have her as part of our EKH family. Her actions in Miami are a fantastic reminder that the skills and values of our NHS colleagues can make a difference wherever they are needed."