A mid-air medical emergency aboard an international flight was brought under control through the timely intervention of a doctor from Manipur, preventing what could have escalated into a critical situation.
The incident occurred on Air India Flight AI357 during its journey from Tokyo to New Delhi on April 2. Nearly eight hours into the flight, the cabin crew made an urgent announcement seeking medical assistance for a passenger in distress.
Emergency at 35,000 Feet
With around two hours remaining before landing, a 21-year-old passenger began experiencing severe chest pain and acute breathlessness, raising concerns of a potentially life-threatening condition.
Responding immediately, Dr Loni Liriina, a critical care specialist at the American Oncology Institute, stepped forward to assist. She was joined by another junior doctor onboard, and together they began assessing the patient.
Initial examination revealed a rapidly deteriorating condition. The passenger had a heart rate exceeding 160 beats per minute, low blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels of around 80 percent—well below safe levels.
Rapid Diagnosis and Treatment
Drawing on her medical expertise, Dr. Liriina identified the condition as a severe asthma attack. The patient had a history of childhood asthma but had not been under treatment in recent years.
Working within the limited resources available on the aircraft, she initiated emergency care, administering oxygen support and starting nebulisation along with necessary medication.
Despite the constraints of an in-flight environment, the response was both swift and precise.
Situation Stabilised Mid-Air
Within approximately 30 minutes, the passenger’s condition began to stabilise. The improvement was significant enough to rule out the need for an emergency diversion.
Cabin crew, who had been preparing for a possible emergency landing, were able to continue the journey as scheduled.
The flight later landed safely in New Delhi, with the passenger reported to be in stable condition.
A Critical Intervention
Medical experts note that in-flight medical emergencies are not uncommon and often depend on the presence of trained professionals among passengers. Timely intervention can be crucial in preventing complications and avoiding emergency landings.
Dr. Liriina, who hails from Senapati district and is currently based in Imphal, demonstrated calm decision-making and clinical precision under pressure.
A Moment of Quiet Heroism
While commercial aviation systems are equipped for emergencies, this incident underscores the importance of human expertise in critical moments.
What began as a tense situation mid-air was resolved through quick thinking and professional skill—turning a potential crisis into a story of survival.