Miracle at 30,000 Feet: Passengers and Doctor Team Up to Save Woman’s Life on Pune-Bound Flight
Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 21st March 2024: A middle-aged woman faced a life-threatening cardiac arrest aboard an Air India Express flight from Delhi to Pune last Sunday. Quick thinking from a doctor, cabin crew, and fellow passengers ensured her survival during the harrowing ordeal.
Dr Ashok Kumar Badamali, a senior consultant in cardiac anaesthesia at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, was seated in 9D when the flight, I5-764, was en route around 5:15 am. A cabin crew member urgently sought medical assistance, prompting Dr. Badamali to spring into action.
Upon reaching the distressed woman, Dr. Badamali found her gasping for air with a racing carotid pulse. Despite the cramped space, he, along with the cabin crew and other passengers, worked tirelessly to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). With limited room to manoeuvre, fellow flyers lent a hand, allowing the woman to be shifted to a more spacious area near the wings.
Dr. Badamali’s expertise proved invaluable as he performed a carotid massage, stabilizing the woman’s pulse and restoring her semi-consciousness. With the assistance of the airline crew, immediate medical attention was provided, and the incident was reported to air traffic control for further assistance upon landing in Pune.
As the flight neared Pune, the woman was carefully positioned across several seats to ensure her comfort and safety. Upon arrival, she was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
Dr Ashok Kumar Badamali told to Punekar News, “During a flight from Delhi to Pune, I responded to a cardiac arrest announcement. Despite space constraints, cabin crew and passengers assisted in relocating and stabilizing the patient. Despite having over 16 years of experience and having performed over 1000 CPRs, this particular situation was particularly challenging due to the lack of proper gear and equipment.”
He further stressed the importance of CPR training for everyone, stating, “Cardiac arrest can occur due to various factors such as heart attack, electric shock, choking, or exposure to fire smoke. If the heart is not revived within 6 minutes, it can lead to death, stroke, or other serious brain effects. Therefore, everyone must be equipped with the knowledge of CPR in case of emergencies.”
