Dr. Opoku Afriyie’s Life-Saving Work in the Air and on the Road
Dr. Enoch Opoku Afriyie(MB ChB '13), a Specialist Emergency Medicine Physician, Public Health Expert and Researcher revived an elderly passenger in cardiac arrest using limited resources mid-air. He’s also recognized for his work in emergency medicine and road safety advocacy, including earning the prestigious Traffic Safety Scholar Award.
A routine Delta Airlines flight from Kotoka International Airport, Accra, to John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport, New York, became the stage for a life-saving intervention when an urgent announcement called for medical assistance: "Is there a doctor on board?"
Among the passengers was Dr. Enoch Opoku Afriyie, a Specialist Emergency Medicine Physician from Ghana and a distinguished alumnus of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Four hours into the 11-hour journey over the Atlantic Ocean, Dr. Afriyie answered the call and led a high-stakes effort to save an elderly passenger’s life.
“I heard the announcement and instinctively knew I had to act,” Dr. Afriyie shared. “When I reached the passenger, he was unresponsive, had vomited, and had no carotid pulse. It was clear he was in cardiac arrest.”
Joining forces with a nurse and a pediatrician on board, Dr. Afriyie took charge of the situation. Utilizing limited resources, including an automated external defibrillator (AED) and oxygen supplies provided by the flight crew, the team performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and revived the passenger within minutes.
“We worked cohesively, and after five minutes, we restored his pulse and stabilized him for the rest of the flight,” Dr. Afriyie recounted. “It was a humbling moment that underscored the importance of teamwork and preparedness.”
Upon landing at JFK Airport, paramedics took over and transported the patient to a local hospital for further care.
Delta Airlines commended the medical team for their swift response. Meanwhile, Dr. Afriyie expressed gratitude to his colleagues and the airline for equipping their flights with essential medical tools.
Trailblazer in Emergency Medicine and Public Health
Dr. Enoch Opoku Afriyie is no stranger to saving lives under pressure. A graduate of KNUST, where he earned both his MB ChB and a Master of Public Health in Health Services Planning and Management, Dr. Afriyie has dedicated over a decade to advancing emergency medicine and public health in Ghana and across Sub-Saharan Africa.
His public health journey started from KNUST 12 years ago when he conducted research on “Antibiotics Availability and Usage in Health Facilities: A Case of the Offinso-South Municipality of Ghana” as his final dissertation at the School of Medical Sciences. He received the prestigious Ernestine Addy Prize for the Best Dissertation in Community Health at the Final MB ChB Examination in 2013 and his paper was published in the Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare in 2015.
After gaining admissions with scholarships to study at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, he rather chose to pursue a second Masters in MPH (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
“KNUST laid the foundation for my journey in medicine,” he reflected. “The rigorous curriculum and mentorship I received there prepared me for moments like this and for the broader mission of improving healthcare systems.”
Recognised for traffic safety advocacy
In addition to his medical achievements, Dr. Afriyie was recently honoured with the prestigious Traffic Safety Scholar (TSS) Award in the United States. This recognition, linked to his passion for road safety, highlights his research on road traffic injuries and his advocacy for safer transportation systems.
“Being named a Traffic Safety Scholar is a significant honour,” Dr. Afriyie said. “It validates my work and opens doors to collaborate with experts and policymakers committed to saving lives on our roads.”
Dr. Afriyie credits KNUST for shaping his expertise in road safety.
“The university’s emphasis on research, innovation, and real-world problem-solving equipped me to tackle critical challenges in public health and transportation,” he said.
Shining example of KNUST excellence
Dr. Afriyie’s heroism aboard the Delta Airlines flight and his continued dedication to medicine and public health underscore the global impact of KNUST alumni.
His story serves as an inspiration to future generations of students and professionals, showcasing how a commitment to excellence and service can create ripples of change across the world.
Reflecting on the mid-air rescue, Dr. Afriyie remarked, “In moments like this, it becomes clear that the skills and knowledge we acquire can make a difference not just in hospitals but anywhere in the world. I am proud to be a product of KNUST.”
This event, combined with Dr. Afriyie’s achievements, reaffirms the legacy of KNUST alumni as global changemakers. From saving lives in the skies to leading transformative initiatives on the ground, they continue to uphold the university’s mission of innovation, service, and leadership.
Story by Emmanuel Kwasi Debrah (URO)
