Kochi Doctor’s Quick Action Saves Passenger's Life On Air

Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, recognised by his online alias, The Liver Doc, played a crucial role in rescuing a fellow passenger on an Akasa Air flight from Kochi to Mumbai, on the night of January 14. The individual was grappling with perilously low oxygen levels and escalating blood pressure, and Dr. Philips’s prompt intervention proved instrumental in averting a potential tragedy. Reflecting on the incident, the doctor revealed that it marked the first time in three and a half years that he had actually used a stethoscope. Grateful for the positive outcome, the passenger’s family later expressed their gratitude towards Dr Cyriac Abby Philips for saving their loved one’s life.

He shared the incident on microblogging platform X, stating that he attempted to catch a nap, fatigued from a day of work, but his plans took an unexpected turn when a fellow passenger seated beside him began experiencing breathing difficulties. Recounting the incident, the doctor shared that he noticed an air hostess struggling to connect the man’s nebulizer for emergency inhalational treatment.

Dr Philips promptly stepped in, assisting in getting the machine operational. Despite the attempt at intervention, the distressed passenger continued to speak in fragmented sentences, showing no signs of improvement.

Dr Philips requested a stethoscope and discovered that the left-side lung sounds were completely absent, indicating a water-filled condition known as pleural effusion. The passenger revealed that he had kidney issues and was on dialysis three times a week, with the next session planned for the following day. Running out of medications since the previous night, the passenger’s blood pressure had skyrocketed to 280/160.

With limited time before landing, Dr Philips took decisive action. In mid-air, he performed a double puncture on the only accessible vein, administering a diuretic injection into the buttock muscles as a last resort due to the turbulent flight conditions.

Acknowledging the critical role of the Akasa Aircrew, he praised their swift response in providing oxygen cylinders and blood pressure-lowering medications from the flight emergency kit.

Upon landing, the individual was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital where he received the necessary treatment. Keeping the patient’s family informed throughout, Dr Philips received heartening news the next day that the individual was recovering well.

Akasa Air, acknowledging Dr. Philips’s actions, expressed gratitude for his quick response and immediate assistance. The airline’s crew members were lauded for their role in supporting Dr Philips during these critical moments.

Dr Philips’s post detailing the incident soon gained widespread attention on social media, earning him appreciation from an array of internet users.