New Delhi – A long-haul Air India flight from Vancouver to Delhi was marked by tragedy this morning when a passenger died mid-flight following a severe medical emergency. The incident on flight AI186 highlights the critical challenges of managing health crises in the air.
Sudden Medical Emergency Mid-Flight
The passenger, a 40-year-old male whose identity is being withheld, was reportedly travelling to Kolkata via Delhi. Several hours into the nearly 16-hour journey, he began experiencing acute chest pain and shortness of breath, prompting him to alert the cabin crew immediately.
The Air India crew initiated standard medical emergency protocols swiftly, making an announcement to request assistance from any medically qualified passengers on the flight.
Heroic Efforts by Crew and Onboard Doctor
According to sources, a doctor and several other passengers with medical training came forward to help. The crew deployed the on-board medical kit, which includes essential life-saving equipment like oxygen cylinders and an automated external defibrillator (AED).
For over an hour, the volunteer medical team worked alongside the trained cabin crew in a tireless effort to stabilize the man. “They did everything they could,” one passenger recounted. “You could see the urgency and the professionalism, but his condition was deteriorating very fast.”
Tragic Outcome Before Landing
Despite the valiant efforts, the passenger’s condition worsened, and he passed away before the aircraft could be diverted or reach its destination. The flight captain was reportedly in communication with medical experts on the ground, but given the flight’s location over the Atlantic, an immediate diversion was not feasible.
Upon landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, the flight was directed to a designated bay where it was met by a medical team and airport authorities. The airport’s medical staff formally declared the passenger deceased. His body was then handed over to the Airport Police for medico-legal procedures, including a post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death.
Air India Expresses Condolences
Air India released a statement expressing its deep sorrow over the incident. “We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate passing of a passenger on our Vancouver-Delhi flight,” the statement read. “Our crew and fellow passengers did everything possible to assist him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the deceased, and we are extending all possible assistance to them during this difficult time.”
This event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of medical emergencies in the air. While airline crews are trained to handle such situations, the immense challenges of providing advanced medical care in a confined space far from ground support remain a significant concern.
