‘The Liver Doc’ rescues life of co-passenger while on Akasa Air’s Kochi-Mumbai flight

“In between breaths, the man tells me that his kidneys are bad. I asked him if he was on dialysis and he was on it three days a week and the next one was planned for the next day. His medications were over last night. I scroll through his unlocked phone images to see his last prescriptions. Most were for high blood pressure,” Dr Philips wrote on X.

As a doctor, the first time I actually used a stethoscope after three and half years was on a mid air flight, two days ago.

On my flight from Kochi to Mumbai via @AkasaAir the man sitting next to me became breathless.

I was tired from work and it was a late evening flight and… pic.twitter.com/Doyl4Yyjin

— TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) January 16, 2024

During the late evening journey, the doctor was alerted by the commotion surrounding the ailing passenger. He found the passenger’s oxygen saturation level at a dangerously low 36 per cent. Further examination using a stethoscope revealed the presence of pleural effusion in the left lung, indicating a critical medical condition.

With only an hour left before landing, Dr Philips quickly assessed the situation and, in a makeshift in-flight medical intervention, administered a double puncture to the only accessible vein on the right side.

Facing challenges due to turbulence and the patient’s struggles, the doctor opted for an intramuscular injection to deliver furosemide, a crucial medication.

What an awesome end to question “We’ve emergency here, any doctor onboard?”. Kudos to your efforts!

— Phoenix || Retail (@mangeshkawade3) January 16, 2024

The patient, though lethargic and still breathless, had his blood pressure under control. The doctor communicated with the patient’s family immediately upon landing, ensuring a smooth transition to an ambulance waiting nearby to transport the patient to a nearby hospital.

In a heartening update, the doctor received a message from the patient’s family the following day, confirming that he was recovering well. Subsequent communication with the patient revealed the severity of the situation, including a dangerously high potassium level of 9.0 and erratic kidney functions.

He thanked the Akasa Air crew who played a vital role in maintaining composure during the crisis, promptly providing oxygen cylinders and assisting the doctor in his efforts. Despite the challenging circumstances, the doctor successfully stabilized the patient’s condition, raising the oxygen saturation to above 90 per cent.

We are extremely grateful for your quick response and immediate assistance which was instrumental in saving the life of a fellow passenger onboard our flight QP 1519. Our crew members Dhanya, Zargaam, Arnav, Kiritika in the cabin and Munish & Neha from the flight deck were…

— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) January 16, 2024

Akasa Air also replied with, “We are extremely grateful for your quick response and immediate assistance which was instrumental in saving the life of a fellow passenger onboard our flight QP 1519. Our crew members Dhanya, Zargaam, Arnav, Kritika in the cabin and Munish & Neha from the flight deck were privileged to have you as a crucial part of the team. Thank you once again for embodying the true spirit of care and compassion. #Gratitude”

Another user added, “What an awesome end to question. We’ve emergency here, any doctor onboard?. Kudos to your efforts!”

A third said, “I have followed your tweets especially interested in the step by step analysis of a case, but this one really great. Your parents should be proud of you. Long live @theliverdr and kudos to the crew @AkasaAir”.