News Desk, News Nation 360 : Imagine sitting on a packed aeroplane thousands of feet above the ground when an unexpected medical emergency arises. A passenger's skin turned pale and tight, and she was having difficulty breathing. Dr. Smita Moitra, Consultant & In-charge, Emergency Department, Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, took command of the situation as other passengers watched in alarm but were unsure of how to help. A 45-year-old Bikaner woman with a background of high blood pressure had severe hypertensive heart failure while flying from Kolkata to Delhi on December 6th, creating a critical emergency. Fifteen minutes into the flight, her original discomfort developed with rocket speed into severe shortness of breath, chest pain, choking, heavy sweating, restlessness, and an inability to speak, with her blood pressure shooting up to a lethal 240/120 mmHg. With this, panic led to Dr. Smita Moitra, Consultant & In-charge of Emergency Department Manipal Hospitals Broadway, entering the scene by diagnosing the patient to have hypertensive heart failure, a condition that can lead to cardiac arrest or respiratory collapse. With available onboard emergency supplies, Lasix was administered to treat fluid overload, sublingual nitroglycerin was given to relieve chest pain, and Ecosprin was for cardiac stress, along with administering oxygen. With her quick action, the patient stabilized, and they diverted the flight to Ranchi, where an emergency medical team was on standby. A possible disaster was averted due to the quick diagnosis and treatment by Dr. Moitra. Dr. Smita Moitra, Consultant & In-charge, Emergency Department, Manipal Hospitals, Broadway stated that every second felt crucial in this extremely difficult scenario. In these situations, maintaining composure and making prompt, wise decisions are essential. There was a very real chance that something would go wrong, such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. Nevertheless, She is appreciative that she was able to stabilise her before the helicopter could safely land by using her training and experience. The best part of being a doctor is knowing that her work saved her life.
Pic - Courtesy
