A life saved at 35,000 feet
What began as a hopeful journey turned into a life-saving moment for two young nurses from Kerala. Abhijith Jees, 26, from Wayanad, and Ajeesh Nelson, 29, from Chengannur, were travelling on Air Arabia Flight 3L128 from Kochi to Abu Dhabi on 13 October. It was their first-ever international flight and the beginning of their new careers as Registered Nurses with Response Plus Medical (RPM), part of Response Plus Holding, the UAE’s largest emergency and onsite medical service providers. The flight had taken off from Kochi at 5:30 a.m. As the aircraft cruised over the Arabian Sea around 5:50 a.m., Abhijith heard a faint sound from a nearby seat. “It was like someone gasping,” he said. “When I looked, I saw a man unresponsive. I checked his pulse, but there was none. I knew he was in cardiac arrest.” The passenger, a 34-year-old man from Thrissur, Kerala, had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest mid-air. Abhijith immediately began Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) while alerting the crew. Within moments, Ajeesh joined him to assist. “There was no panic,” said Ajeesh. “We just focused on what had to be done. Abhijith started compressions, and I supported him. It was about acting fast and doing our best.” The two worked in perfect coordination, performing two rounds of CPR until the passenger regained a pulse and began breathing again. “When I saw him move, I felt a deep sense of relief,” Abhijith said. “It reminded me that we carry our responsibility wherever we go.” A doctor on board, Dr Arif Abdul Khadir, also stepped in to assist. Together, they stabilised the passenger, started IV fluids, and monitored his condition until the plane landed safely in Abu Dhabi. “When we saw him respond, it felt like a blessing,” said Ajeesh. “It was our first journey abroad, and to be able to save a life before even starting our new jobs felt like the best welcome we could have received.”
Recognition from their new employer
After landing, both nurses quietly continued to their new workplace, not mentioning what had happened. A fellow traveller, Mr Brint Anto, also an RPM employee, later shared their story. When the account reached their employer, Response Plus Medical felicitated Abhijith and Ajeesh for their quick and professional response. The management presented them with certificates of appreciation, recognising their courage and presence of mind. Dr Rohil Raghavan, Chief Executive Officer of Response Plus Holding, praised their composure. “Well done Ajeesh and Abhijith, who have shown the true spirit of RPM by saving a patient outside the hospital environment. The RPM family salutes the great work of our members,” said Dr Raghavan.
Response Plus Medical honoured the two Indian nurses with certificates of appreciation, praising their courage, composure, and life-saving teamwork mid-air (Photo: Response Plus Medical)
Dr Mohamed Ali, Medical Director of RPM Projects, said the incident demonstrates how crucial timing is in cardiac emergencies. “In any cardiac arrest, every second counts,” said Dr Ali. “Early recognition and prompt CPR can make the difference between life and death, whether it happens mid-flight or on the ground. What these two nurses did reflects the very essence of medical readiness and teamwork.”
A profession defined by courage
The passenger was later reported to be in stable condition after receiving treatment from the airport medical team. His family expressed their gratitude in a heartfelt message: “We cannot thank these nurses enough. They were strangers to us, yet they gave our loved one another chance at life. Their kindness and courage will always stay in our prayers.” For Abhijith and Ajeesh, the experience has left a lasting mark. “We came to the UAE to start our careers,” said Ajeesh. “Saving a life on the way made us realise what this profession truly means.” Abhijith added, “You never expect something like this to happen, but when it does, you just do what you are trained for. That morning in the sky will stay with us forever.”
