Journalism of Courage
Two Indian nurses have been hailed as heroes for their quick thinking and timely intervention, which saved the life of a passenger who suffered a cardiac arrest while travelling on an Air Arabia Flight.
On October 13, Abhijith Jees and Ajeesh Nelson were on their way to Abu Dhabi, on their first-ever international flight and the beginning of their new careers as Registered Nurses, when they turned lifesavers at an altitude of 35,000 feet.
According to Abhijith, they were travelling on an early morning Air Arabia flight from Kochi to Abu Dhabi when he heard a faint sound from a nearby seat.
“It was like someone gasping,” Abhijith said. “When I looked, I saw a man unresponsive. I checked his pulse, but there was none. I knew he was in cardiac arrest.”
The passenger, a 34-year-old man from Thrissur, Kerala, had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest mid-air. Abhijith immediately began Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) while alerting the crew. Soon, Ajeesh joined to assist his friend.
The two worked in perfect coordination, performing two rounds of CPR until the passenger regained a pulse and began breathing again.
“There was no panic,” said Ajeesh. “We just focused on what had to be done. Abhijith started compressions, and I supported him. It was about acting fast and doing our best.”
“When I saw him move, I felt a deep sense of relief,” Abhijith said. “It reminded me that we carry our responsibility wherever we go.”
A doctor on board, Dr. Arif Abdul Khadir, also stepped in and together, they stabilised the passenger, started IV fluids, and monitored his condition until the plane landed safely in Abu Dhabi.
“When we saw him respond, it felt like a blessing,” said Ajeesh. “It was our first journey abroad, and to be able to save a life before even starting our new jobs felt like the best welcome we could have received.”
The passenger was later reported to be in stable condition after receiving treatment from the airport medical team. His family expressed their gratitude in a heartfelt message.
“We cannot thank these nurses enough,” the family said. “They were strangers to us, yet they gave our loved one another chance at life. Their kindness and courage will always stay in our prayers.”
The two men, who worked as staff nurses in India, had just joined Response Plus Medical (RPM), which is part of Response Plus Holding, the UAE’s largest emergency and onsite medical service providers.
The incident came to light after a fellow traveller, also an RPM employee, narrated it to their employer.
Recognising their work, Response Plus Medical felicitated Abhijith and Ajeesh for their quick and professional response. The management presented them with certificates of appreciation, recognising their courage and presence of mind.
“Well done Ajeesh and Abhijith, who have shown the true spirit of RPM by saving a patient outside the hospital environment. The RPM family salutes the great work of our members,” Dr. Rohil Raghavan, Chief Executive Officer of Response Plus Holding, said in a statement.
For Abhijith and Ajeesh, the experience has left a lasting mark. “We came to the UAE to start our careers,” said Ajeesh. “Saving a life on the way made us realise what this profession truly means.”
“You never expect something like this to happen, but when it does, you just do what you are trained for. That morning in the sky will stay with us forever,” Abhijith added.
