A Captain developed indigestion after eating in flight. Fearing a heart problem; he used his Captain's Emergency Authority for a physician to enter the cockpit to examine him. The stomach problem dissipated soon after an antacid was injested.
Synopsis
A Captain developed indigestion after eating in flight. Fearing a heart problem; he used his Captain's Emergency Authority for a physician to enter the cockpit to examine him. The stomach problem dissipated soon after an antacid was injested.
Narrative
At approximately two hours and forty five minutes into the flight the Captain said he would use the restroom. Upon his return he asked the Flight Attendant in the cockpit if she could locate a medical doctor on board. He stated that he was having some pain in the center of his chest and thought it was just an acid problem related to the pasta he had eaten on board earlier. I asked if he had any antacid tablets and he said he thought so. Upon checking he found an antacid and took the over the counter medication. When a Doctor was located the Captain exercised his command authority and requested the Physician be brought into the cockpit with the aircraft medical kit so as to not alarm the passengers (exercising his emergency authority). After her initial examination and in light of the fact that the Captain's pain improved immediately upon taking the antacid the Doctor was confident that the Captain was not in any danger and did not appear to have a heart related ailment. We were approximately at our ETP so we elected to continue on to our destination without incident. The Captain was confident that this was nothing more than a reaction to the food he had just eaten on board and thus elected to work the return trip.
Second reporter narrative
I was the Captain. Midway through the flight (after eating) I experienced a bad chest pain. Out of an abundance of precaution; I asked the Lead Flight Attendant to find a physician so I could discuss my condition. The Doctor checked my vital signs and we agreed that all I was feeling was a bout of indigestion or heartburn. I never felt dizzy and was never incapacitated in any way. At all times I was able to perform my duties. The condition passed after about 10 minutes and we continued to the destination without incident.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.