Ryanair criticised over lack of CPR training

Ryanair has defended its handling of medical emergencies on its planes after two passengers on one flight suffered apparent cardiac emergencies and staff were without defibrillators or CPR training.

Two nurses and a dentist who happened to be on board the flight to Spain assisted the woman and man who became ill within an hour of each other, but were startled to find staff had no equipment or training to help them.

Ryanair said yesterday all cabin crew received basic CPR training “as part of their initial and recurrent safety training” but one of the nurses, Patricia O’Flaherty, said staff told her otherwise. She was angry at how the incidents were handled as she was seriously concerned for the male passenger, aged 40.