Vicki mentioned briefly the regulation for Federal and all airlines: a person with a serious heart condition was not supposed to fly unless he had a doctor’s written permission to do so, on the grounds that the trip was necessary, and unless he had someone to accompany him who could nurse him. The airlines relied on cardiacs not to board a plane without such certification.
“If we had known in advance, Mr. Bryant,” Vicki said, “we would have been obliged to keep you off the plane.”
“Well, you took excellent care of me, young lady. It worked out, didn’t it?”
Mrs. Bryant shook her head. “You are so self-willed, Marshall. So stubborn.”
Vicki turned to her. “The oxygen I gave your husband is only first aid, you know. Do _you_ feel a doctor should see him immediately?”
“Well, I’ve seen him have worse spells than this one--not in the air, either.” The elderly lady hesitated. “He does seem much better now--”
Vicki said that it was really up to the captain of the plane to decide whether to make an emergency landing. She excused herself, went forward past curious passengers, unlocked the cabin door, and stepped up into the cockpit.
In the cabin dozens of black-and-white dials on the instrument panel glowed, needles flickered, the radar screen flashed. At a signal from Captain Jordan, the copilot took over the controls.
“He came fairly close to fainting, Captain Jordan. He’s elderly, a little overweight, and he has a heart condition. However, since he’s had therapeutic oxygen, he’s not in any distress. And his wife seems fairly satisfied with the way he looks now.”
“I’d much rather land than take chances with a passenger’s life.” Captain Jordan looked at his wrist watch, thinking. “I’ll tell you what. Observe him for ten minutes and if he shows any sign of relapse call me. We can come down at Clarkville. In any case, Vicki, we’re going to have a doctor and an ambulance on hand at New York. We’ll radio ahead to La Guardia Airport.”
“That’s all for now, Vicki. Keep me informed.”
Vicki returned to the Bryants. Mr. Bryant was sitting up erect now; it was a relief to see that. She told them of the captain’s decision.
“I am so grateful!” Mrs. Bryant exclaimed. “I’m sure we won’t need to make a special stop.”