In a heartwarming incident that unfolded during an IndiGo flight from Ranchi to Delhi, a baby with congenital heart disease faced a critical breathing crisis. However, the day was saved by two co-passengers, both doctors, who came to the child’s rescue, demonstrating the power of humanity and expertise.
Emergency Medical Assistance Provided
As the flight proceeded, IAS officer Dr. Nitin Kulkarni, who is also a doctor by training, and a doctor from Ranchi Sadar Hospital noticed the baby’s distress. Without hesitation, they provided essential emergency medical assistance. Despite the challenges, they utilized an adult-sized oxygen mask and administered other medications to stabilize the infant’s condition.
Medical Team Provides Support
Upon the flight’s safe landing, an onboard medical team promptly took charge of the baby’s care, providing vital oxygen support. This swift response was a testament to the coordinated efforts of the doctors and the flight crew.
Baby Being Taken to AIIMS for Treatment
The baby’s parents were on their way to AIIMS, Delhi, seeking specialized treatment for their child’s congenital heart condition.
Emergency Announcement on IndiGo Flight
Around twenty minutes into the flight, an emergency announcement was made by the air crew, seeking immediate medical assistance from any doctor onboard to aid the distressed infant.
Doctors Take Charge
In response to the urgent call for help, Dr. Kulkarni, presently serving as the principal secretary to the Governor of Jharkhand, and Dr. Mozammil Pheroz from Sadar Hospital, Ranchi, took charge of the situation. Dr. Kulkarni shared, “The mother was crying as the baby was gasping for breath. Me and Dr. Mozammil took over care of the baby. Oxygen was supplied through an adult mask as somehow no baby mask or cannula was available.”
Treatment and Progress
Despite initial challenges, the doctors administered Theophylline and Dexona from the onboard medical kit. These interventions resulted in some positive signs of improvement. Due to the absence of an oximeter, monitoring the baby’s oxygen saturation status proved challenging in the crucial initial moments.
Successful Outcome
The flight safely landed at 9.25 am, and the medical team swiftly provided oxygen support to the baby. Thanks to the remarkable efforts of the doctors and the quick response from the cabin crew, the situation took a positive turn, leading to a successful outcome.
Gratitude for the Doctors
One of the co-passengers, AS Deol, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the two doctors for their heroic efforts in saving the baby’s life. “Doctors are God-sent angels. Today, I saw one saving a 6-month-old baby on board Indigo [flight]. Dr. Nitin Kulkarni, IAS, Governor House in Jharkhand took on his role as a doctor and saved the kid. Salute to you sir,” wrote AS Deol, underscoring the profound impact of their actions.
