A middle-aged woman faced a life-threatening cardiac arrest during a recent Air India Express flight from Delhi to Pune, but thanks to the timely intervention of a doctor on board, along with the assistance of cabin crew and fellow passengers, she was rescued from imminent danger.
The incident occurred on March 17 aboard flight 15-764, scheduled to land in Pune at 6:10 am after departing from Delhi around 4 am. Among the passengers was a doctor specializing in cardiac anesthesia from the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences in Bhubaneswar, whose expertise became instrumental in the critical moments that followed.
According to the doctor’s account, at approximately 5:15 am, a cabin crew member alerted passengers about a medical emergency and sought assistance from any medical professionals on board. Responding promptly, the doctor was guided to the distressed woman’s seat, where he found her struggling to breathe and exhibiting signs of distress, including a rapid carotid pulse.
Despite the cramped conditions of the aircraft, the doctor, aided by the cabin crew and willing passengers, embarked on a challenging endeavor to provide life-saving measures. Initially restrained by her seatbelt, they managed to free her and create space for necessary interventions. However, administering CPR proved difficult due to space constraints, prompting an improvised approach where flyers assisted in moving the woman to a more spacious area near the wings.
With collaborative efforts, the doctor was able to stabilize the woman’s condition, administering gentle massage and chest compressions as her pulse gradually returned to normal. The swift and coordinated response of all involved parties played a crucial role in averting a potential tragedy at 30,000 feet.
A spokesperson for Air India Express confirmed the incident, highlighting the crew’s prompt communication with air traffic control (ATC) to arrange for medical assistance upon landing in Pune. The airline crew, alongside the doctor, provided immediate medical attention, underscoring the importance of preparedness and teamwork in handling in-flight emergencies.
As travelers reflect on the harrowing experience, the heroic actions of the doctor and the solidarity of fellow passengers serve as a testament to human compassion and resilience in the face of adversity.
