A mid-air medical emergency aboard an Air India flight from Tokyo to New Delhi on February 28 was successfully handled by a Manipur-based doctor, preventing the need for an emergency landing.
Dr. Loni Liriina, a critical care specialist at the American Oncology Institute, Babina Specialty Hospital, Imphal, was among the passengers on Flight AI357 when the incident occurred around eight hours into the journey.
Following an announcement by the cabin crew seeking medical assistance, Dr. Loni, along with another junior doctor onboard, attended to a 21-year-old passenger who complained of severe chest pain and breathlessness. The patient had a history of childhood asthma but was not on medication.
On examination, the patient was found to have a high heart rate, low blood pressure, and reduced oxygen saturation, indicating severe respiratory distress. Dr. Loni diagnosed the condition as an acute asthma attack and administered emergency treatment using onboard medical resources, including oxygen support and nebulisation.
The patient’s condition stabilised within 30 minutes, allowing the flight to continue to its destination without diversion. The aircraft later landed safely in New Delhi, with the passenger reported to be in stable condition.
Speaking on the incident, Dr. Loni noted that in-flight medical emergencies occur occasionally and often depend on the presence of trained professionals for immediate response.
Dr. Loni Liriina hails from Senapati district and is currently serving at the American Oncology Institute, Babina Specialty Hospital, Imphal.