Manipur Doctor Averts Mid-Air Emergency on Air India Flight
Heroic Medical Intervention During Flight
Dr. Loni Liriina, a consultant at the American Oncology Institute, responded to an onboard call for medical assistance
New Delhi/Imphal, April 2: A critical care physician from Manipur played a crucial role in averting a serious situation on an Air India flight traveling from Tokyo to New Delhi. Dr. Loni Liriina managed to stabilize a distressed young passenger, thus preventing an emergency landing.
Dr. Liriina, who works at the American Oncology Institute in Babina Specialty Hospital, Imphal, responded to a medical emergency call approximately eight hours into the flight AI357, which has a total duration of ten hours.
“About two hours prior to landing, an announcement was made requesting immediate medical help. Upon my arrival, I noticed the crew was visibly anxious,” Dr. Liriina recounted.
The affected passenger, a young woman, was experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Initial evaluations revealed a rapid heart rate of around 160 beats per minute, low blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels at approximately 80%, indicating acute respiratory distress.
Given the limited medical supplies available on the aircraft, Dr. Liriina, with the assistance of another physician, commenced emergency treatment, which included administering oxygen and nebulization.
Fortunately, the passenger, who had a history of childhood asthma but was not currently on medication, began to stabilize within 20 to 30 minutes.
“Thanks to divine intervention, this is a scenario I frequently encounter in my profession. We utilized the medications available on the flight, and everything proceeded without issue. The flight was able to continue to its destination,” the doctor remarked.
Although the cabin crew briefly contemplated diverting the flight, the situation was managed effectively, allowing the aircraft to proceed as planned.
The plane landed safely in New Delhi, with the passenger reported to be in stable condition.
Dr. Liriina, originally from Senapati district in Manipur and currently practicing in Imphal, emphasized that while in-flight medical emergencies are not rare, they often hinge on the prompt action of trained individuals present among the passengers.