Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable display of quick thinking and medical expertise, Dr Ashok Kumar Badamali, senior consultant in cardiac anesthesia at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Bhubaneswar, saved the life of a fellow passenger aboard an Air India Express flight from New Delhi to Pune on Tuesday.
The incident took place when the flight was mid-air after taking off from New Delhi airport in the morning. The cabin crew, led by Saurav, made an urgent announcement requesting the assistance of any onboard paramedics or nursing personnel due to a medical emergency.
A middle-aged woman was found unresponsive in her seat, prompting immediate action. Dr Badamali, who was in the flight, responded to the call for help.
The patient was moved to the floor of the aircraft to facilitate resuscitation efforts. On examining the woman, Dr Badamali found that she was unresponsive and was exhibiting agonal breathing, with an extremely fast carotid pulse. Utilising his expertise in cardiac emergencies, he performed a carotid massage that proved to be life-saving.
Under Dr Badamali’s careful management, the patient was placed in the recovery position and remained stable until the flight landed at Pune International Airport. The pilot of the flight, Rahul, along with crew members Saurav and Puja, expressed their gratitude to Dr Badamali for his timely and decisive action.
Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT, KISS, and KIMS also thanked Dr Badamali for his service.
