Bengaluru: What began as a routine Goa–New Delhi flight turned into a life-or-death situation mid-air on Saturday afternoon, until swift action by a Bengaluru doctor
helped save a passenger’s life. A serious medical emergency unfolded barely minutes after take-off, when a 34-year-old American woman collapsed inside the aircraft, as per a TOI report. The situation stabilised only after Dr Anjali Nimbalkar, a medical professional and former Congress MLA from Karnataka, stepped in and stayed with the patient until the flight made a priority landing in Delhi.
‘Please Don’t Go Anywhere’: A Moment Mid-Air
“She clutched her hand, almost literally clinging on to dear life. ‘Please don’t go anywhere,’ was all she managed to say.”Those words, spoken mid-air by the critically ill passenger, summed up the gravity of the situation on board the IndiGo flight.
According to the report, Dr Nimbalkar did not leave the passenger’s side until the aircraft landed and the woman was evacuated to hospital.
Passenger Collapses Minutes After Take-Off
The incident occurred around 1.15 pm, just 10 minutes after the flight took off from Goa.The passenger, identified as Jenny from California, complained of uneasiness and shivering before collapsing. She was seated in the 16th row, travelling with her sister. The two were headed to Delhi to attend a wedding.
Even before a formal announcement seeking medical assistance could be made, Dr Nimbalkar rushed from her seat to help.
Doctor Steps In Before Announcement Is Made
Dr Nimbalkar, a trained doctor and former MLA from Khanapur assembly constituency in Belagavi district, examined the passenger and found her unconscious, pale and severely dehydrated.She also observed clenched fists and symptoms suggestive of a seizure.
The doctor quickly gathered the patient’s medical history from her sister and began basic resuscitative measures on board the aircraft.
Electrolytes Help Revive Passenger
Dr Nimbalkar managed to revive the woman and administered oral electrolyte solution, which the passenger herself was carrying.The sister informed the doctor that the passenger had suffered a stomach infection the previous day, which likely contributed to dehydration and collapse.
With the situation temporarily under control, Dr Nimbalkar returned to her seat.
Second Collapse Triggers Priority Landing
About 30 minutes later, the doctor was urgently called again as the passenger collapsed for a second time and appeared critical.The cabin crew immediately informed the flight captain about the medical emergency. Given the seriousness of the situation, the pilot arranged a priority landing in New Delhi.
Upon landing, the passenger was evacuated and shifted to a hospital for further treatment.
