Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Type 5213
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Procedure
FA's (Flight Attendants) initially advised of unresponsive passenger with the implication that she was not breathing and potential divert. More details to follow. Called back in 5 mins; pax responsive now with paramedic and doctor attending. Sent [request for land-based physician to call me]. FA called back about the same time as [Dispatch] and juggled the two calls. FA provided info from Medical form and indicated neither medical personnel had credentials with them; but wanted to start an IV. [Ground-based medical resource] was very concerned with BP (Blood Pressure) and HR (Heart Rate). Finally was able to provide that info after about 10 more minutes. FA's also advised pax was on O2 and IV. Initially asked for Priority Handling as pax was improving and did not feel [a more urgent flight status] was necessary. ATC wanted to know the nature of the [adverse situation] and seemed reluctant to provide priority handling. Provided the info to them and they seemed less than cooperative. Eventually after discussing with FO (First Officer) and FA's we elected to declare [an urgent medical situation] after Center and approach denied our request to land opposite direction. Our thoughts were; we had previously had a pax who was unresponsive and was now on O2 and had an IV in. Figured it was better to [an urgent situation] and later learn it was not necessary/required than the opposite (and then learn we needed the priority it affords us). Paramedic was very helpful and FA's did a fantastic job as did the Dispatcher. [Ground physician link] also very responsive and helpful. Landed uneventfully and taxied to gate and deplaned pax. Only real issue was that we told station personnel that we would plan a normal deplane as the passenger had improved significantly. Upon arrival at the gate the EMT's wanted to immediately come onboard and get [ill passenger] off the aircraft; so that was a bit confusing. Otherwise it was textbook abnormal event.
A320 Captain reported receiving less than he felt was appropriate cooperation from ATC during a passenger illness event.