Heroic Doctor Saves Passenger on Akasa Air Flight
In a remarkable display of quick thinking and medical expertise, a passenger aboard an Akasa Air flight from Kochi to Mumbai was saved from a life-threatening medical emergency by a co-passenger who happened to be a doctor. The incident, which occurred on January 14, highlights the importance of emergency medical skills in critical situations.
Sudden Medical Crisis in the Skies
The emergency unfolded when a passenger began experiencing severe breathlessness. The cabin crew responded promptly, attempting to administer emergency treatment using a nebulizer. However, the situation escalated as the passenger's condition deteriorated, with his oxygen saturation plummeting to a dangerously low level of 36%.
Doctor Steps In to Save Life
Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, known as 'The Liver Doc,' was seated next to the ailing passenger. He quickly intervened, realizing that the initial treatment was insufficient. Dr. Philips discovered that the passenger, who was not asthmatic, was suffering from accelerated hypertension and pleural effusion, a condition where fluid accumulates around the lungs.
Emergency Treatment Mid-Flight
With the passenger’s life hanging in the balance and an hour left to land, Dr. Philips had to improvise. He performed a challenging double puncture on the passenger's vein and administered a frusemide injection, a treatment for hypertension and fluid accumulation. His swift action, supported by the Akasa Air flight attendants' efficient response in providing oxygen, was instrumental in stabilizing the patient’s condition.
Safe Landing and Recovery
Upon landing, the passenger was lethargic but had his blood pressure under control, thanks to Dr. Philips' intervention. Remarkably, the next day, the passenger reached out to Dr. Philips, informing him of his stable condition and expressing gratitude.
This incident not only showcases the heroic efforts of Dr. Philips but also underscores the critical role of medical knowledge and preparedness in emergency situations. The professional demeanor and quick response of the Akasa Air crew also played a vital role in ensuring the passenger's safety.