A life was preserved on an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru to Delhi, thanks to a doctor’s timely intervention. A 44-year-old former soldier experienced a sudden medical crisis during the flight, and Dr. Ritin Mohindra took swift action, preventing an emergency landing.
The flight, 6E 6021, departed from Terminal 1 of Kempegowda International Airport at 5:45 am on Sunday.
Dr. Mohindra, an Assistant Professor specializing in Acute Care and Emergency Medicine at PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research), Chandigarh, recounted the incident to TNIE: “The plane had been airborne for approximately 45 minutes when the cabin crew requested any doctor on board. I immediately came forward to help.”
The passenger was suffering from discomfort, a severe headache, and weakness on the left side of his body. Dr. Mohindra noted that the symptoms could indicate a stroke, requiring careful evaluation. The patient revealed he was diabetic and on regular medication, leading the doctor to suspect hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Without quick treatment, this could cause seizures, unconsciousness, or even a coma.
The doctor instructed the cabin crew to mix sugar in water for the passenger to drink immediately. “Within 15 minutes, the passenger began to stabilize,” Dr. Mohindra shared. He stayed by the patient’s side for the rest of the flight until they arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The patient, from Mysuru and currently living in Bengaluru, was on a trip to Delhi with his wife. Dr. Mohindra also advised him to consult his doctor and adjust his medications to prevent future incidents.