Mizo Doctors Heroically Save Passenger's Life on Flight from Delhi to Aizawl
Emergency Medical Assistance in Mid-Air
An Indigo flight. (Picture used for representational purpose only)
Aizawl, Oct 5: On Saturday, three doctors from Mizoram aboard a flight from Delhi to Aizawl sprang into action to assist a fellow passenger experiencing a critical medical emergency, ultimately saving his life and ensuring he arrived safely.
Dr. Willie Lalhruaitluanga, a general surgeon, Dr. F Remthangpuii, a pediatrician, and Dr. Benjamin Khiangte, a gastroenterologist, responded promptly to a request from the IndiGo flight crew for medical help shortly after takeoff.
The passenger, who was undergoing dialysis, faced a medical crisis while returning to Mizoram. The doctors immediately provided care during the flight and continued their efforts after landing at Lengpui Airport, accompanying the patient to a local hospital.
According to the medical team, the passenger experienced a drastic drop in oxygen levels, with SpO2 plummeting to approximately 40 percent. Despite receiving oxygen through a mask on the plane, his levels only increased to around 60 percent.
The pilot was ready to reroute the flight to Kolkata if necessary. However, after administering steroids, the doctors reported an improvement in the SpO2 levels to about 90 percent, allowing the flight to proceed to Aizawl.
When the passenger's oxygen levels dropped again, the doctors contemplated intubation. Lacking the necessary equipment on board, they informed the ground staff at Aizawl Airport to prepare an ambulance in advance.
The ambulance, equipped solely with oxygen, transported the patient first to the Lengpui Community Health Centre (CHC), where the medical team was able to provide breathing support using an intubation set.
Subsequently, the doctors coordinated with other hospitals in Mizoram to secure an ICU bed. They administered sedatives and transferred the patient to LRM Hospital, where an ICU bed was available.
While Dr. Willie Lalhruaitluanga and Dr. Remthangpuii accompanied the patient, Dr. Benjamin Khiangte remained at the airport to safeguard their belongings.
By Saturday night, the patient was successfully taken off breathing support, and dialysis was performed. The doctors reported that the patient's condition had stabilized and was no longer critical.