Large Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 224; Flight Crew Type 4266
Deviation - Speed All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Flight Attendant called the flight deck and advised a passenger was complaining of symptoms of a stroke. The passenger stated she was a previous stroke victim. Flight Attendant made an announcement seeking volunteers with medical credentials. A male passenger identified himself as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and began examining and treating the passenger. The EMT stated that; in his opinion; an effort should be made to land within one hour; or less. Captain and I assessed our situation considering time; distance and medical and operational services available and decided to continue to filed destination. We advised ARTCC we would be exceeding 250 KIAS below 10;000 feet. Upon contact with TRACON; in an effort to minimize taxi time; we requested and received clearance for the visual approach. We maintained approximately 320 KIAS throughout the arrival phase of flight and until such time it became necessary to slow for the visual approach. We landed without incident and taxied to the gate. The passenger was met and treated by Fire Department medical personnel.The airspeed deviations under emergency authority resulted in arriving at our destination approximately 18 minutes earlier than planned.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
Air carrier flight crew exceeded 250 knots below 10;000 feet to expedite to landing airport due to medical emergency of passenger on board.