Chen Haohao, a nurse working in the neonatology department of Hainan Provincial People's Hospital, responded immediately after a flight attendant asked for emergency medical assistance for a newborn baby on board.
Chen said he saw the mother, surnamed Zhang, holding a palm-sized baby, but the baby was still wrapped in the fetal membrane.
The newborn baby girl continues to recover in hospital after being airborn. Photo: Baidu
With the help of two other doctors from different departments at the same hospital, Chen put on gloves and peeled back the membranes, allowing the baby to breathe.
They soon noticed that the newborn looked pale, was not crying or breathing, had no pulse, and was unresponsive to stimulation.
“This tiny fragile life is in grave danger. Every second counts for her,” Chen said as he administered emergency CPR to the little girl.
She asked the flight attendant for a hot water bag to help stabilize her child's temperature, which is especially important for premature babies who are at risk of blood loss and death.
Chen and the two doctors breathed a sigh of relief as the baby's breathing and heartbeat stabilized.
The pilot made an emergency landing in Changsha, in the central Hunan province of southern China, to ensure the safety of the baby and its mother.
Chen continued performing chest compressions for 90 minutes before the baby was transported to a hospital in Changsha.
“It was only when I saw my baby being wheeled into the emergency room that I realised my arm was numb,” she said.
When Zhang's husband heard about the birth of their second daughter, he rushed to the hospital in Changsha.
The baby weighed just 820 grams and gained 50 grams during his two-week stay in hospital.
“Thank you for being there at a critical moment, we will tell our child, he will remember you forever,” his father said in a video clip sent to Chen.
Nurse Chen Shanshan works in the neonatology department of Hainan Provincial People's Hospital. Photo: Baidu
He said he plans to personally thank the nurses after his baby is released from the hospital.
Chen said she didn't think much of it at the time because she was focused on saving her baby, and added that the flight attendants and two doctors should also be thanked.
The news sparked a flood of praise for Chen on social media in mainland China.
