Heroic Mid-Air Lifesaving Intervention by MGM Healthcare Specialists
Two senior specialists from MGM Healthcare and the MGM Cancer Institute demonstrated exceptional courage and clinical expertise during a critical in-flight medical emergency on an Etihad Airways flight on December 1, 2025.
While returning to India after a medical camp in Ethiopia, Dr. Gopinathan M (Consultant Hemato-Oncology, BMT, MGM Cancer Institute) and Dr. Sudharshan Balaji (Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead Urology, MGM Healthcare) responded to a young crew member who developed acute anaphylactic shock just 40 minutes after take-off.
Anaphylaxis is a rapid, life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause airway swelling, bronchospasm and dangerously low oxygen levels. The crew member had zero air entry and oxygen saturation of 80%, making immediate intervention crucial especially challenging mid-air with limited medical resources and no possibility of an emergency landing.
The doctors quickly stabilised him by administering:
1.Steroids to reduce airway inflammation
2.Bronchodilators to improve airflow
3.Anti-histamines to counter the allergic reaction
4.Continuous oxygen for nearly four hours
They performed almost one hour of resuscitation before ventilation improved. Under their continuous monitoring, his vitals stabilised, oxygen levels improved, and he remained conscious and communicative until landing.
This incident, occurring between 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM (Ethiopian time), showcases extraordinary medical commitment at 30,000 feet above ground.
Guided by the philosophy of Doing More. Better., MGM Healthcare remains dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care not just within hospital walls, but wherever lives depend on timely medical intervention.
MGM Healthcare
Heroic Mid-Air Lifesaving Intervention by MGM Healthcare Specialists
Two senior specialists from MGM Healthcare and the MGM Cancer Institute demonstrated exceptional courage and clinical expertise during a critical in-flight medical emergency on an Etihad Airways flight on December 1, 2025.
While returning to India after a medical camp in Ethiopia, Dr. Gopinathan M (Consultant Hemato-Oncology, BMT, MGM Cancer Institute) and Dr. Sudharshan Balaji (Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead Urology, MGM Healthcare) responded to a young crew member who developed acute anaphylactic shock just 40 minutes after take-off.
Anaphylaxis is a rapid, life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause airway swelling, bronchospasm and dangerously low oxygen levels. The crew member had zero air entry and oxygen saturation of 80%, making immediate intervention crucial especially challenging mid-air with limited medical resources and no possibility of an emergency landing.
The doctors quickly stabilised him by administering:
1.Steroids to reduce airway inflammation
2.Bronchodilators to improve airflow
3.Anti-histamines to counter the allergic reaction
4.Continuous oxygen for nearly four hours
They performed almost one hour of resuscitation before ventilation improved. Under their continuous monitoring, his vitals stabilised, oxygen levels improved, and he remained conscious and communicative until landing.
This incident, occurring between 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM (Ethiopian time), showcases extraordinary medical commitment at 30,000 feet above ground.
Guided by the philosophy of Doing More. Better., MGM Healthcare remains dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care not just within hospital walls, but wherever lives depend on timely medical intervention.
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