In an emotional reunion on Good Morning America, 12-year-old Aiden Parker reunited with Dr. Stephanie Weiss, the cruise ship physician who helped save his life throughout a dramatic medical emergency aboard the Carnival Venezia this previous Could.
The occasion triggered a high-stakes rescue operation by the U.S. Air Drive’s 920th Rescue Wing, whose response was essential to Aiden’s survival.
Aiden and his household had been en path to New York when he suffered a life-threatening belly perforation that required pressing care.
Learn Extra: U.S. Airforce Rescues Teen from Carnival Ship
Dr. Weiss, the ship’s senior doctor, shortly acknowledged the severity of the state of affairs and knew that Aiden wanted rapid evacuation from the ship, which was over 350 miles off the coast of North Carolina.
“It’s one of many circumstances that you’ll want to get off the ship as quickly as attainable. It will probably ultimately finish your life,” Dr. Weiss defined in the course of the reunion.
The Air Drive’s 920th Rescue Wing, based mostly at Patrick Area Drive Base, launched a rescue operation inside hours of receiving the misery name.
Their response concerned two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, two HC-130J Fight King II plane, and groups of fight rescue officers and pararescuemen who flew greater than 1,000 miles to achieve the distant ship.
As soon as on-site, the pararescue workforce hoisted Aiden and his mom from the deck of the ship and offered rapid medical consideration in the course of the flight to the closest succesful hospital.
Aiden, who was unconscious for a lot of the rescue, later spent a month within the hospital however has since made a full restoration. Reflecting on the expertise, he advised Dr. Weiss, “I really feel like I in all probability wouldn’t nonetheless be right here if you happen to didn’t assist me.”
“I simply needed to say thanks for serving to me and making me really feel higher,” the 12-year-old advised Weiss in the course of the interview with GMA.
After eight hours and over 1,000 miles traveled, all plane safely returned to Patrick Area Drive Base, finishing the mission.
Carnival Venezia started service with Carnival Cruise Line in June 2023, following its switch from Costa Cruises.
