Date: 201507
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: ZAB.ARTCC, TX
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Cruise
Airspace: Class A ZAB
ATC / advisory: Center ZAB
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Not Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Flight Attendant
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Contributing factors: Human Factors; Weather
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: Just north of AMA at FL340 I was informed that a passenger (PAX1) was totally unresponsive and unconscious. I heard the FA make an announcement over the PA requesting any medical personnel that may be on the aircraft. Within minutes the FA had 3 separate medical professionals assisting her in the cabin. All three medical professionals came to the same conclusion that the [PAX1] showed signs of an apparent drug overdose. A very very weak pulse; unconscious. The FA mentioned that [the PAX1] may have already passed or was very close to death from the medical professionals' initial observations. The medical professionals were requesting the use of the Enhanced Emergency Medical Kit (EEMK.) Around this time we [advised ATC of our situation.] Later on the ground I was told that one of the doctors who administered a drug from the EEMK that helps to counteract overdoses; said [the PAX1] reacted to it positively. One doctor had to hold [the PAX1's] head in such a way so that she would not choke; while the other was trying to get some vital signs with not much success. I talked with the FAs numerous times and even one of the doctors who said that it very difficult to get any pulse and that we needed to land as soon as possible. In between all my conversations with the FAs; I was in touch with our dispatcher and MedLink. MedLink requested information about [the PAX1] many times and I replied each time. But VHF communication was difficult. I heard their request loud and clear but my transmission was broken and unreadable. I tried a different frequency but had basically the same issue. Frustrated with the communication issues with MedLink; and limited information from the cabin; [knowing] that we need to land ASAP; I decided that I needed to look at a few diversion airports. ABQ had a line of thunderstorms between us and the airport. Dispatch discouraged us from diverting into PUB. COS was my next closest airport so I advised dispatch that we were diverting in to COS. I heard MedLink ask what the difference between COS and DEN and I responded that it would get us on the ground 15mins sooner. As we flew farther north I could see the approaching thunderstorms near DEN; and thought DEN may not have worked.To compound things as we were diverting into COS; the FAs called the cockpit and notified us of another passenger (PAX2) who fell unconscious and that one of the doctors was attending to this person's ailments; and thought that they may need to use the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to revive [PAX2]; but they elected not to use the AED. Between the two incapacitated passengers; 3 O2 bottles; an EEMK; and a Sharps Kit were used.Also during descent I could hear the FAs preparing the cabin/galley for landing. I checked in with them approximately 10 minutes before landing to make sure the cabin was ready. The FAs confirmed that the cabin was ready for landing.Once on the ground in COS we expeditiously taxied to the gate where we had the EMTs standing by. At the gate the EMTs were quick to attend to the ill passengers. I was very surprised to witness PAX1 walking off the aircraft; however; with much assistance. The husband insisted that his wife was now able to complete their journey but I refused to allow them any further travel on my flight.I was informed that the other ill passenger [PAX2] who was unconscious was diagnosed with food poisoning the day before and passed out on the flight due to dehydration. She was admitted back on board the flight.




Synopsis: A B737 flight crew were notified while enroute of two ill passengers; one of whom was thought by medical professionals on board; to be very close to death. They diverted and landed in an emergency condition. EMTs were waiting at the gate and successfully treated both passengers.