Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100; Flight Crew Total 8000; Flight Crew Type 100
Physiological - Other
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Human Factors
Had massive stomach cramps after level off at cruise. Switched positions with [Relief Pilot]. Got sick twice in lavatory; shaking violently. Decided to [aircraft returned to departure airport] to ZZZZ. Went to hospital. Blood test confirmed I had pancreatic episode. Feel totally better today. Slept all day.
Several minutes after level off at cruise altitude the Captain indicated that he was not feeling well. When he stood up to take the first rest break it appeared to me that he was having more than just an upset stomach. The [Relief Pilot] took the Captains seat and I continued as Pilot Flying. We made a SAT COM call to our Dispatcher and asked for assistance from AeroMed service. After we described his symptoms and discussed our options AeroMed recommended a diversion to ZZZZ. Our Dispatcher concurred that this was the best option. We [requested priority handling] and got clearance to return to ZZZZ. Once we reached ZZZZ airspace we received approval to jettison fuel. With the Captain in the crew rest area; [Relief Pilot] and I requested Runway XXR and made a normal landing. Paramedics and an ambulance were awaiting our arrival and came onboard to provide medical care. I accompanied our Captain to the hospital along with a Gateway Agent and a person from International SOS service.
B747-8F flight crew reported airborne medical return to departure airport due to Captain experiencing pancreatic episode.