Gatwick: Passenger With Restricted Mobility Dies Leaving Flight
A passenger with restricted mobility has died at Gatwick Airport after leaving an aircraft.
Gatwick said staff were helping to disembark three passengers with restricted mobility at the time, including the man’s partner.
He decided to leave the EasyJet plane rather than wait for staff to return and fell while going up an escalator, an airport spokesman said.
The airline confirmed the death of the man on Wednesday.
The Gatwick spokesman said the passenger made a short walk to the escalator from the runway to the Skybridge, which takes passengers to the north terminal.
He said EasyJet cabin crew were closest to the man, so provided medical attention before the airport’s medical staff arrived.
An airline spokesman said: “A number of our cabin crew provided medical assistance to a passenger at Gatwick Airport whilst waiting for paramedics to arrive.
“However the passenger sadly later passed away.”
Gatwick said a formal investigation was under way.
It said when the aircraft arrived a member of staff was deployed from Wilson James, a company which provides assistance for passengers with restricted mobility.
The staff member “was in the process of disembarking the three PRM [passengers with restricted mobility] passengers when the incident occurred,” it said.
“Staff shortages were not a factor in this incident.
“It is normal for one staff member to disembark three passengers who require assistance by taking them one at a time the short distance to the waiting buggy.”
Same Difference 
The major problem here is that people, especially disabled people are being treated as objects in that ‘one fits all’, people are individuals with feelings, and have individual needs, but are not being treated with respect and dignity.
If there are staff shortages then have more flexibility, perhaps bringing executives down to cover for staff shortages,
‘Gatwick said staff were helping to disembark three passengers with restricted mobility at the time, including the man’s partner.’
“It is normal for one staff member to disembark three passengers who require assistance by taking them one at a time the short distance to the waiting buggy.”
Why is it normal for one staff member to disembark 3 passengers, surely it should be 3 staff for 3 passengers, for with only one staff who decides which passenger gets priority and why should there be a priority process. This is showing great disrespect to persons who are paying for a service and is, in effect discrimination, which should be illegal, but maybe our equality legislation is not what it should be, for people should be front and centre, but as is usual it is a process, a system which is front and centre.
This is far from right and now a death has occurred and if something is not done, then more could occur.