On our return flight to Malta, one of the passengers became very ill. The Air Malta pilot duly informed Malta International Airport (MIA) of the emergency situation approximately 35 minutes before landing.

The captain asked us to stay in our seats when we landed to give preference to the ambulance crew. We taxied far away from the terminal and the ambulance arrived way after we landed.

Then we had an incredible scene (see photo) where we witnessed the ambulance crew discussing and arguing with MIA personnel, the police and the ground crew.

No action was taken for over 25 minutes. The sick passenger had to wait along with the rest of us, until a decision was taken to board the plane and give medical assistance. We were then informed by the pilot that we could disembark.

The following questions need to be answered:

• Why weren’t the paramedics already there waiting to give emergency assistance when they had been notified 35 minutes beforehand?

• Why did it take the ambulance personnel so long to board the plane once it had landed?

• What and who kept the ambulance crew from boarding the plane when they arrived?

• Why wasn’t there an ambulance at MIA waiting for the plane to land?

• Who is in charge of the protocol in these situations and who takes priority: MIA, Air Malta, the police or ambulance personnel?

• Why not let the passengers disembark first so the paramedics can give the necessary medical aid?

I was disappointed with our emergency services and felt sorry for the ill individual who had to wait to be helped while personnel discussed who knows what on the tarmac! What does this say about the authorities who handle these situations to us Maltese and to all the foreign people visiting these islands who witnessed this charade?

Francis Xavier Aloisio

Sliema