Three doctors from Mizoram sprang into action aboard a Delhi-Aizawl IndiGo flight on Saturday, helping save the life of a fellow passenger who suffered a serious medical emergency mid-air.
The doctors, Dr Willie Lalhruaitluanga, a general surgeon, Dr F. Remthangpuii, a paediatrician, and Dr Benjamin Khiangte, a gastroenterologist, responded after the cabin crew sought medical assistance shortly after take-off from Delhi. The passenger, who was undergoing dialysis treatment, was travelling back to Mizoram when his condition suddenly deteriorated.
According to the doctors, the patient’s oxygen saturation level (SpO2) dropped to a critical 40 per cent. Despite being administered oxygen through a mask on board, his oxygen level increased only to around 60 per cent. As the situation worsened, the flight crew considered diverting the aircraft to Kolkata.
However, after the doctors administered steroids and the patient’s oxygen saturation improved to nearly 90 per cent, they advised the crew that the flight could safely continue to Aizawl.
The passenger later suffered another severe drop in oxygen levels, prompting the doctors to consider intubation. Since the necessary equipment was unavailable on the aircraft, they alerted authorities at Lengpui Airport and requested that an ambulance be kept ready upon arrival.
After landing, the patient was initially taken to Lengpui Community Health Centre, where the doctors were able to provide ventilatory support using an intubation set. They subsequently coordinated with hospitals across Mizoram to locate an ICU bed and arranged for the patient’s transfer to LRM Hospital.
While Dr Willie Lalhruaitluanga and Dr Remthangpuii accompanied the patient to the hospital, Dr Benjamin Khiangte remained at the airport to look after their belongings and assist with logistics.
The doctors also administered sedatives during the transfer to ensure the patient’s stability. By Saturday night, the patient had been taken off breathing support and successfully underwent dialysis.
The doctors later confirmed that the passenger’s condition had improved significantly and was no longer critical.
The swift response, teamwork and medical expertise displayed by the three doctors were widely praised, with many hailing them as heroes for their life-saving efforts both in the air and on the ground.
