Doctors save critically ill passenger on Delhi to Aizawl flight

Aizawl: A Delhi to Aizawl flight became a makeshift ward when a passenger with chronic kidney disease suffered a medical emergency. His oxygen levels crashed to 40 percent during the trip. Cabin crew searched for help. Three doctors on board stepped up to assist.

General surgeon Dr. Willie Lalhruaitluanga, paediatrician Dr. F. Remthangpuii, and gastroenterologist Dr. Benjamin Khiangte treated the man. They used an oxygen mask, but saturation only climbed to 60 percent. The doctors administered steroids, lifting his oxygen to 90 percent. The pilot held off on an emergency landing in Kolkata as the patient temporarily stabilised.

His condition worsened before landing at Lengpui Airport. The doctors prepped for intubation as ground staff readied an ambulance. Upon landing, the team intubated the passenger using an endotracheal tube. They secured an ICU bed at LRM Hospital and personally escorted him there. The patient was extubated the next night, underwent dialysis, and remains stable.

The doctors left their luggage behind to ensure the patient reached care. This event shows how medical experts act when advanced facilities are out of reach. The incident remains a reminder of the "role that medical professionals travelling as ordinary passengers can play in responding to critical health emergencies during flights."