Pooja Rajakumaran, an Indian expatriate nurse based in the United Arab Emirates, came to the rescue during a medical emergency on an Air India Express flight. Shortly after take-off, a female passenger became critically ill. Pooja immediately stepped in to help. 

Flight Details

• Flight: Air India Express IX530
• Route: Dubai → Thiruvananthapuram
• Date: July 1, 2026
• Altitude during incident: Approximately 35,000 feet

Pooja was returning home to Kerala and planned to rest during the flight. Minutes after take-off, the cabin crew made an urgent announcement asking whether a doctor or nurse was on board.

Immediate Response

Without hesitation, Pooja unfastened her seat belt and identified herself to the cabin crew.

She later said:

“The moment I heard that call, my professional instincts took over.”

She explained that nurses are trained to respond immediately whenever someone needs medical assistance. 

Passenger’s Condition 

The patient was a wheelchair-bound female passenger who was travelling back to India after undergoing physiotherapy in Dubai. She was recovering from a recent mastectomy as part of her breast cancer treatment.  

When Pooja examined the passenger, she found that her pulse was weak and she was suffering from severe dizziness. The woman was drifting in and out of consciousness, with cold, trembling hands and extreme fatigue. She also showed signs of anxiety and general weakness.  

Pooja later recalled:

“Considering her condition, I knew I couldn’t waste even a second.”

Emergency Care at 35,000 Feet 

Without access to hospital equipment or medical devices, Pooja relied entirely on her clinical training and experience. She continuously monitored the passenger’s pulse manually and kept talking to her to prevent her from losing consciousness. Pooja encouraged the woman to stay awake while asking the cabin crew for water and helping her drink it slowly.

To improve circulation, she gently massaged and rubbed the passenger’s hands. She also helped cover her with a blanket to restore body warmth. Throughout the flight, Pooja frequently reassessed the woman’s condition and remained by her side for almost the entire journey.

Pooja’s Nursing Background 

Pooja works in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at RAK Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah. In her role, she cares for critically ill newborns and is trained to respond quickly and effectively during medical emergencies.  

Pooja has seven years of nursing experience, including previous experience in Saudi Arabia. She joined RAK Hospital in 2025, where she continues to work in the NICU. Caring for critically ill newborns every day has equipped her to remain calm and make quick decisions during high-pressure medical emergencies. 

She explained:

“In the NICU, I have monitors, oxygen, medicines and a medical team. On a plane, you only have your training, hands and judgment.”

Decision About Emergency Landing 

During the medical emergency, the senior cabin crew consulted Pooja to assess the passenger’s condition. They wanted to know whether the captain should be informed and whether the aircraft needed to be diverted for an emergency landing. 

Pooja repeatedly reassessed the passenger’s condition throughout the flight. She checked the woman’s pulse, monitored her body temperature, evaluated her responsiveness, and carefully observed her overall condition to ensure she remained stable. 

Pooja determined that the passenger was experiencing severe physical exhaustion, anxiety, and weakness following her recent medical treatment. After continuously monitoring her condition and noting steady improvement, she concluded that an emergency diversion was not required. The flight continued safely to Thiruvananthapuram. 

Cabin Crew’s Response

Pooja praised the professionalism of the cabin crew throughout the medical emergency. She said they trusted her medical judgment, quickly provided water and blankets, assisted whenever needed, and remained calm throughout the incident.

She also commended the fellow passengers for their cooperation. According to Pooja, no one panicked, everyone remained calm, and passengers gave her enough space to care for the woman. 

Passenger’s Recovery 

Pooja continued monitoring the passenger until the flight landed. Before the aircraft began its descent, she carried out one final assessment. By then, the passenger was fully responsive, had regained her body warmth, and was feeling much better. She smiled and personally thanked Pooja for helping her during the medical emergency. 

Pooja later said:

“Watching her land safely was the greatest reward.”

Message to Healthcare Professionals 

Reflecting on the incident, Pooja encouraged fellow healthcare workers to always be prepared to help. 

She said:

“Trust your training and never hesitate to step forward. Our calling to care for humanity doesn’t end when our shift is over.”

Pooja emphasized that healthcare professionals should always be ready to help people in need. She said their responsibility extends beyond hospitals. According to her, they should respond whenever someone is in distress, no matter where the emergency occurs. 

Advice to Passengers 

Pooja also shared some advice for passengers during in-flight medical emergencies. She urged travelers to stay calm and follow the cabin crew’s instructions. She said it is important to give medical professionals enough space to treat the patient and avoid creating panic. She also encouraged everyone to cooperate throughout the emergency.

According to Pooja, teamwork between passengers, cabin crew, and medical professionals can help prevent medical situations from becoming more serious.

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