The passenger’s weakness on his left side, discomfort, and headache alerted the cabin crew, prompting an immediate call for medical attention.
GURUGRAM- A doctor onboard an IndiGo (6E) flight from Bengaluru (BLR) to Delhi (DEL) quickly responded to a medical emergency, saving a passenger’s life.
The 44-year-old ex-army guy experiencing hypoglycemia in mid-air was treated immediately and stabilized without the need for an emergency landing.
IndiGo Passenger Life Saved By Doctor
Dr. Ritin Mohindra, an Assistant Professor of Acute Care and Emergency Medicine at PGIMER in Chandigarh, played a critical role in controlling the crisis and securing the passenger’s safety.
A medical issue occurred on Flight 6E6021, which took departure at 5:45 a.m. from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR).
The passenger’s weakness on his left side, discomfort, and headache alerted the cabin crew, prompting an immediate call for medical attention.
Dr. Mohindra responded quickly and evaluated the patient, who had a history of diabetes and regular drug use.
Recognizing the possibility of hypoglycemia (a serious condition caused by extremely low blood sugar), Dr. Mohindra asked the cabin staff to prepare a sugar-water mix. The modest solution worked well, stabilizing the passenger in 15 minutes.
The doctor kept a careful eye on the passenger for the remainder of the voyage, offering reassurance and medical advice.
Upon arrival in Delhi, the traveler, who was traveling with his wife as part of a group, was stable enough to continue his journey.
Passenger’s Dangerous Condition
Dr. Mohindra emphasized the significance of early detection and care for hypoglycemia. If left untreated, symptoms such as weakness, confusion, and seizures can worsen, potentially leading to coma or death.
Diabetics using oral medicines or insulin are more vulnerable and should be educated on the condition’s warning signals.
This incident emphasizes the need of having trained specialists on board, as well as flight crews’ ability to manage crises.
Passengers with medical history are also encouraged to bring necessary medications and discuss their requirements to the staff.
A Note of Appreciation
IndiGo’s effective collaboration with Dr. Mohindra secured the passengers’ safety.
The airline’s quick-thinking crew and the presence of medical professionals on board demonstrate the need of teamwork in critical situations.
Similar Incident
Two medics treated a passenger experiencing convulsions aboard an Air India (AI) trip from Delhi to Toronto. Dr. Sundar Sankaran, Director of the Aster Institute of Renal Transplantation in Bengaluru, worked with Toronto-based radiologist Dr. Satheesh Krishna to treat the bewildered middle-aged woman.
The medical staff checked on the passenger before takeoff, checking her vital signs and confirming her stability. The woman was transported to Medanta Medical Center at Delhi Airport for further medical treatment.
The event triggered necessary security processes, which necessitated a complete rescreening of the aircraft. This security precaution delayed the flight’s departure by one hour.
Throughout the event, Air India crew worked closely with medical professionals. The airline later praised Dr. Sankaran’s engagement on social media, applauding his desire to assist and appreciating their employees’ professional response.
Dear Mr. Sankaran, we honor you for the part you played! Thank you. It always feels blessed to have a persona like you amongst us, who never hesitate to extend their helping hands to people. Thank you for noticing our staff commitment, and we will surely pass on your appreciation.”