AIZAWL, OCT 5 (PTI): What began as a routine IndiGo flight from Delhi to Aizawl turned into a dramatic race against time when a 32-year-old woman suffering from chronic kidney disease developed a life-threatening medical emergency mid-air. The incident, which occurred on October 3, saw three Mizo doctors and a senior medical practitioner work together to save the passenger’s life.
The woman, who was undergoing dialysis for chronic kidney disease, was returning to Mizoram after receiving treatment in Delhi. About an hour before the aircraft was scheduled to land in Aizawl, she suddenly experienced severe breathing difficulties and her condition deteriorated rapidly. Among the passengers were noted gastroenterologist Dr. Benjamin Khiangte, critical-care super-specialist and paediatrician Dr. F. Remthangpuii (Aremi), and surgeon Dr. Willie Lalhruaitluanga. They responded to an emergency announcement made by the cabin crew seeking medical assistance after initial efforts to stabilize the patient proved unsuccessful.
According to Dr. Khiangte, former Union Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, who was also travelling on the flight, had attended to the passenger for nearly half an hour before the three doctors joined the effort. On examination, the medical team found that the patient’s oxygen saturation (SpO2) level had dropped to around 40 percent, indicating severe respiratory distress.
The doctors immediately administered oxygen and medication, including steroids and an inhaler. Although her oxygen saturation briefly improved to between 70 and 80 percent, the improvement was short-lived. As her condition worsened again, the doctors began considering emergency intubation, but the aircraft lacked the specialised equipment required for the procedure. Faced with limited onboard resources, the doctors requested the flight crew to arrange an ambulance and emergency medical support at Lengpui Airport. Upon landing, they discovered that the airport ambulance had oxygen support but lacked advanced respiratory equipment. The team then rushed the patient directly to the Lengpui Community Health Centre (CHC).
At the CHC, the doctors found the necessary equipment and immediately performed intubation on the patient. The procedure successfully restored her oxygen levels and stabilised her condition. Once her breathing improved, the doctors coordinated with hospitals in Aizawl to secure an intensive care unit (ICU) bed. After several calls, an ICU bed was arranged at LRM Hospital. Dr. Remthangpuii and Dr. Willie accompanied the patient by ambulance to Aizawl, while Dr. Khiangte later joined them after collecting their belongings from the airport.
At LRM Hospital, the patient was placed on ventilator support and underwent dialysis. By the same night, she had improved sufficiently to be extubated and was able to communicate with medical staff.
Reflecting on the incident, Dr. Khiangte said the patient’s survival depended heavily on receiving timely medical intervention. He revealed that excess fluid accumulation in the lungs, a complication associated with chronic kidney disease, had severely compromised her breathing.
The doctors, however, played down their role, stating that they simply responded to a fellow passenger in need. Their coordinated efforts, quick decision-making and professional expertise ultimately transformed a potentially tragic situation into a remarkable story of survival, earning widespread appreciation across Mizoram.
