KIMS Doctor Saves Life Mid-Air On Air India Flight

By Subrat Sarangi

Bhubaneswar, Mar.20: 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) Bhubaneswar, saved the life of a fellow passenger aboard Air India Express flight I5 764 en route from New Delhi to Pune.

The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of the morning, began when the cabin crew, led by Mr. Saurav, made an urgent announcement requesting the assistance of any onboard paramedics or nursing personnel due to a medical emergency.

News says a middle-aged woman was found unresponsive in her seat, prompting immediate action. Dr. Badamali, who was traveling to Pune for research activities, promptly responded to the call for help. The patient was moved to the floor of the aircraft to facilitate resuscitation efforts. Upon examination, Dr. Badamali found the patient to be unresponsive, and exhibiting agonal breathing, with an extremely fast carotid pulse. Utilizing 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 successfully landed at Pune International Airport. The pilot of the flight, Mr. Rahul, along with crew members Mr. Saurav and Miss Puja, expressed their gratitude to Dr. Badamali for his timely and decisive action. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS also thanked Dr. Badamali for his service.