Delta said in a statement that the incident took place on Flight 1827, which was traveling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Atlanta. The airline said the flight had to return to the gate before takeoff due to a \"customer illness.\"

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told ABC News the flight crew asked for help when a passenger lost consciousness while the flight was waiting to take off, and Adams stepped in and was assisted by two nurses.

The spokesperson said that the passenger regained consciousness, but Adams recommended the individual still be taken to a hospital. Adams telephoned the passenger's spouse to explain the situation and helped escort the individual off the plane to medical personnel waiting at the gate.

The passenger was last reported in stable condition.

Delta also thanked the surgeon general in a statement on Twitter:

\"When the 'Doctor on board' is THE Doctor. Thanks for your service and assistance today @Surgeon_General.\"

When the “Doctor on board” is THE Doctor. Thanks for your service and assistance today @Surgeon_General. https://t.co/8JCrvIRBHF

— Delta (@Delta) May 16, 2018
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