Dubai-based doctor Cecil Kunnapilli showed his amazing wisdom to save the life of a 3-year-old child who was on board a flight from Dubai to Kochi. In this incident that took place on January 18, the doctor used the adult’s Oximeter present in the medical kit by pressing three fingers of the child together and saved him by giving treatment at the right time. This matter is now much discussed on social media.
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How did the child’s condition deteriorate and why did the flight land in Mumbai?
3.5 year old Steve, recovering from pneumonia, was traveling with his parents from America to Kerala via Dubai. On the way, his oxygen level dropped to 70% and his body started turning blue. Seeing the serious condition of the child, the doctor asked the pilot to immediately divert the flight.
On the advice of the doctor, the pilot decided to make an emergency landing and the plane landed in Mumbai at around 3:00 in the morning. There the child was immediately admitted to the ICU, due to which his life could be saved.
By which ‘jugaad’ did the doctor save his life?
The medical kit present in the flight did not have a child-sized oximeter, due to which pulse could not be detected. Dr. Cecil of Al-Futtaim HealthHub pressed three of the baby’s fingers together so that the machine could get an accurate reading.
During treatment, the doctor noticed that the oxygen tank was not working properly, which he immediately got replaced. Additionally, they prevented the child from being given sleeping medication (Midazolam) because it risked asphyxiation. This decision of the doctor proved to be a life saver for the child.
What is the lesson to be learned for the travelers?
This incident shows that long-haul flights should also have the right medical equipment for children. Dr. Cecil says that it is difficult to take decisions with limited resources in the air, but it is important to take the right steps at the right time.
The boy’s parents, Pinto Davis Accra and Merrill John, have thanked the doctor, calling him an ‘angel’. After the complete recovery of the child, this news has now become an example among the people.
