Lauren Sanders experienced a sudden inability to breathe within the first few minutes after takeoff from Atlanta, GA to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Simultaneously, she also experienced a number of other symptoms including tachycardia, chest pain, and violent shaking. She was assisted by a nurse and doctor onboard the plane. They sat with her & 3 year-old son for the remainder of the 3 hour plane ride.

Lauren & her son were the first escorted off the plane due to her deteriorating condition. She was then taken to the closest hospital (Hospiten Hospital). However, the nearest facility is a private hospital that will not administer help until payment is provided. So Lauren had to provide payment while symptomatic due to the facilities strict rules. Due to her difficulty breathing, fluctuations in heart rate, and oxygen levels, the medical staff ran several tests, however, could not diagnose her or confirm a simple root cause. After several hours of testing, out-of-pockets costs, & still no answers, the hospital suggested she be admitted for further observation by the med/surg team but only if she paid thousands of dollars up front. However if patient’s are unable to pay immediately, they transfer them to the nearest government hospital. So they discharged her to the more affordable hospital with her son in the middle of the night.

After arriving to Cornwall Regional Hospital, the medical team there stated there was nothing else they could do so she was then transported to the resort around 5am. Still scared, weak & undiagnosed; Lauren made her way to the resort to attempt to rest. Her symptoms began to subside the remainder of that Saturday, however on Sunday morning her symptoms returned again in a severe way and she was readmitted to Hospitan Hospital despite the medical professionals who were on site at the resort who attempted to help her. Other than trying to keep her calm & comfortable, it was determined that Lauren should be taken back to Hospitan Hospital for further testing.

Lauren’s husband was informed of her medical emergency, & booked the first flight to Jamaica when she arrived to Jamaica on Friday. After three days, she has suffered physically & emotionally with no answers, & financially drained. Lauren & her family are scheduled to leave the island on Monday, July 11th; however, she is unable to board her flight without clearance from a doctor. She remains in Jamaica.