PATRICK DEMPSEY - TV DOCTOR IN REAL-LIFE MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Actor PATRICK DEMPSEY was mistaken for a real-life doctor during a medical emergency on an airplane.

The SWEET HOME ALABAMA star, who plays DR DEREK SHEPHERD on hit US drama GREY'S ANATOMY, was on a flight getting ready for take-off when an announcement was made about a medical emergency and passengers were asked if there was a doctor on board.

Dempsey recalls, "Everybody turned to look at me. I was debating whether or not I should get up."

After a moment of hesitation, the actor decided not to put his on-screen skills to the test in real life.

He adds, "I just sat back and said, 'I'm a neurosurgeon. I don't do emergencies.' It was a seizure. I could have probably handled that case. I'm sad I didn't stand up."