Baby with congenital heart disease develops severe breathing issues, saved by doctors mid-air

The parents were taking the baby to AIIMS, Delhi for the treatment of its heart condition.

A baby with congenital heart disease developed severe breathing issues during a flight from Ranchi to Delhi. However, it was luckily saved by two doctors who were travelling on the same flight.

Dr Nitin Kulkarni, IAS officer and doctor by training, and another doctor from Ranchi Sadar Hospital gave oxygen supply to the baby using a mask meant for adults and also gave other drugs for assistance until the flight landed.

The IndiGo airline flight landed in an hour and the baby was taken by a medical team for further oxygen support. The parents were taking it to AIIMS in Delhi for the treatment of its heart condition.

The incident happened on Saturday when the crew made an announcement seeking medical help from a doctor on board, twenty minutes into the flight. Kulkarni, who is the principal secretary to the Governor of Jharkhand and Dr Mozammil Pheroz’s timely intervention saved the child.

"The mother was crying as the baby was gasping for breath. Me and Dr Mozammil took over care of the baby. Oxygen was supplied through an adult mask as somehow no baby mask or cannula was available," Kulkarni said.

"We checked the medical records. The baby suffered from a congenital heart condition, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). They were going to AIIMS for it," he added.

He also mentioned that Theophylline injection was administered to the baby from the drugs kit and the parents were also carrying Dexona injection, which helped further.

However, lack of an oximeter made it a little difficult to check the baby’s oxygen levels. So, they used a stethoscope to monitor heartbeat and oxygen.

"First 15-20 minutes were very crucial and stressful as it was difficult to gauge the progress. Finally, the eyes became normal and the baby also made sounds," Kulkarni further said. He also praised the cabin crew for their prompt support.

"We requested for priority landing and full medical support on arrival.” The flight landed on 9.25 am and the baby was quickly provided with oxygen support.

"We were happy and satisfied with the outcome of our efforts of more than an hour.”

"Doctors are God-sent angels. Today, I saw one saving a 6-month-old baby on board Indigo [flight]. Dr Nitin Kulkarni, IAS, Governor House in Jharkhand took on his role as a doctor and saved the kid. Salute to you, sir," a passenger named AS Deol, who had witnessed the entire scenario, wrote on X.

(With inputs from PTI)