Kochi: In a remarkable display of courage and professionalism, two nurses from Kerala turned into real-life heroes during their very first international journey. The duo, Abhijith Jees (26) from Wayanad and Ajeesh Nelson (29) from Chengannur, were travelling on an Air Arabia flight (3L128) from Kochi to Abu Dhabi when they saved the life of a fellow passenger who suffered a cardiac arrest mid-air.
According to Gulf News, the incident occurred around 5:50 a.m., barely 20 minutes after take-off, when Abhijith noticed a 34-year-old passenger from Thrissur slumped in his seat and unresponsive. “I checked his pulse, but there was none. I knew he was in cardiac arrest,” Abhijith recalled. “I immediately started CPR and alerted the crew.”
Quick Thinking at 35,000 Feet
Acting swiftly, both nurses performed two rounds of CPR, successfully reviving the passenger, who soon regained a pulse and began breathing. A doctor on board, Dr. Arif Abdul Khadir, later provided IV fluids and medical supervision until the plane landed safely in Abu Dhabi.
Calm Under Pressure
Both nurses, who were on their way to join Response Plus Medical (RPM) as Registered Nurses, demonstrated exceptional composure during the crisis. “You never expect something like this to happen, but when it does, you just do what you are trained for,” said Abhijith.
Upon landing, the duo quietly continued to their new workplace without revealing their heroic act. The incident came to light later when a fellow passenger, Brint Anto — also an RPM employee — shared the story.
Honoured for Bravery
The RPM management honoured both Abhijith and Ajeesh for their timely life-saving intervention, calling them examples of dedication and presence of mind.
“When I saw him move, I felt a deep sense of relief,” Abhijith said.
“Saving a life before even starting our new jobs felt like the best welcome we could have received,” Ajeesh added.
Growing List of Mid-Air Medical Emergencies
This is not the first time Indian healthcare professionals have saved lives mid-flight. Recently, a doctor from SCB Medical College performed CPR on an elderly passenger during a domestic flight, highlighting the critical role of medical professionals even outside hospital settings.
