A 32-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease developed a serious medical emergency aboard an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Aizawl on October 3, prompting three Mizo doctors travelling on the aircraft to provide emergency medical assistance.
The woman, who was returning to Mizoram after receiving treatment in Delhi and was undergoing dialysis, developed severe breathing difficulties about an hour before the flight was scheduled to land in Aizawl. Her oxygen saturation fell to around 40 per cent.
Editorial Insight
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Important points readers should notice.
A 32-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease fell critically ill during a Delhi-Aizawl flight on October 3.
Her oxygen saturation dropped to around 40 per cent.
Three Mizo doctors provided emergency medical assistance during the flight.
Oxygen, an inhaler and steroids were administered.
The passenger was intubated at Lengpui Community Health Centre after landing.
She was shifted to LRM Hospital in Aizawl and placed on ventilator support.
Dr Benjamin Khiangte, a gastroenterologist, Dr F. Remthangpuii, a paediatrician and critical-care specialist, and Dr Willie Lalhruaitluanga, a general surgeon, responded after the cabin crew sought medical assistance. Former Union Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, who was also travelling on the flight, had initially attended to the passenger.
The doctors administered oxygen and an inhaler, followed by steroids. Her oxygen saturation temporarily improved to around 70 to 80 per cent. The flight therefore continued to Aizawl instead of being diverted to Kolkata, which had been considered as an option.
Her condition later deteriorated again. As the aircraft did not have the equipment required for intubation, the doctors asked the crew to arrange emergency medical support after landing.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The incident highlights the importance of timely medical assistance during an in-flight emergency and the role trained medical professionals can play when immediate specialised care is unavailable.
After the aircraft landed at Lengpui Airport, the passenger was taken to Lengpui Community Health Centre. She was intubated there and subsequently shifted to LRM Hospital in Aizawl after an ICU bed was arranged.
At LRM Hospital, she was placed on ventilator support and underwent dialysis. According to Dr Khiangte, she was extubated later that night and was able to communicate, with her condition improving considerably.
Dr Khiangte also said the patient had developed excess fluid in the lungs, which had affected her breathing.
