In an extraordinary display of courage and medical expertise, two Indian nurses from Kerala transformed what should have been their first exciting flight into a dramatic lifesaving mission at 35,000 feet. The incident occurred aboard an Air India Express flight bound for Sharjah, turning an ordinary journey into a race against time.
Mid-Air Crisis Over the Arabian Sea
As the aircraft cruised high above the Arabian Sea, a 55-year-old passenger suddenly collapsed, sending panic through the cabin. The man had suffered a cardiac arrest, and with no hospital in sight, the situation seemed dire.
That's when Nissy Maria Joy and Anila Shaji, both nurses from Kerala embarking on their very first international flight to begin new jobs in the UAE, sprang into action without hesitation.
90 Minutes of Non-Stop CPR
What followed was nothing short of heroic. The two nurses performed continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the unconscious passenger for an astonishing 90 minutes straight.
"We took turns performing CPR," explained Nissy Maria Joy. "One of us would do chest compressions while the other maintained the oxygen mask and monitored his condition."
The aircraft's medical kit became their makeshift emergency room as they worked tirelessly to keep the passenger alive. Their training kicked in automatically, turning these first-time flyers into seasoned emergency responders.
A Collective Effort in the Skies
The entire cabin crew and several passengers rallied together to support the nurses' efforts. The flight crew provided oxygen and medical equipment from the aircraft's emergency kit, while other passengers cleared space and maintained a calm environment.
"The airline staff were extremely cooperative," Anila Shaji noted. "They provided us with everything we needed and supported us throughout the ordeal."
Triumphant Landing in Sharjah
After what felt like an eternity, the aircraft finally touched down in Sharjah, where emergency medical teams were waiting on the tarmac. The passenger was immediately transferred to a nearby hospital for advanced medical care.
The successful resuscitation meant the man received a second chance at life, thanks to the quick thinking and relentless efforts of these two healthcare heroes.
From First Flight to Lifesaving Mission
What makes this story particularly remarkable is that both nurses were experiencing their maiden flight. Instead of the typical first-flight jitters or excitement, they found themselves in the middle of a high-stakes medical emergency.
"We were naturally a bit nervous about our first flight," Nissy admitted. "But when the emergency happened, our nursing instincts took over. We didn't have time to think about anything else."
Their actions demonstrate how healthcare professionals carry their commitment to saving lives wherever they go - even when they're thousands of feet in the air on their very first journey abroad.
