KOH successfully transfers critically injured Indian by air

MUSCAT: Sudhir Kumar (name changed to protect the privacy of the individual), a 60-year-old Indian was hit by a car while crossing the road in October 2016 and suffered severe head injuries as a result.

Kumar was taken to Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), where he was immediately placed on ventilator support. CT scans revealed blood clots in the brain, for which emergent surgery was performed to relieve the excess pressure, including removal of part of the skull vault. His son was informed, who flew in from India.

Kumar had been working in a private company in Oman for the last 28 years and was due for his annual leave at the end of the month. A feeding tube and urinary catheter were placed. He was kept in the ICU for a few days and subsequently shifted to the ward. During the course of his stay, a tracheostomy was performed (a small tube in the neck/ wind-pipe to help him breathe). He also developed lung and brain infections for which a shunt was placed in the brain and antibiotics were administered.

Due to the severity of his brain injuries, Kumar did not regain full neurological function. So, although his breathing improved and ventilator support was withdrawn, he was unable to comprehend/follow verbal commands and was bed-bound in a near-vegetative state. He had sparse to no movement in 3 of his 4 limbs.

Eventually, it was decided to shift him to Mumbai, India in view of poor neurological prognosis and for continuation of care and rehabilitation.

KIMS Oman Hospital (KOH) was contacted to facilitate the same, having successfully performed similar transfers to Jaipur (India), Germany and Thailand in the recent past. A team from KOH assessed him in SQUH. The challenges faced included the effect of cabin pressure changes on the brain (in view of his post-surgery status), on-board suction for secretions, oxygen administration and of course general stability of the patient to be able to undergo a 2.5 hour flight in his present condition. Also, his son’s visit visa was

The task accomplished stands testimony to what KOH’s Emergency Department is capable of. The department is fully equipped to meet any emergency medical situation with the world’s best equipment and highly experienced professionals

expiring soon and he had no other next-of-kin in Oman.

Accordingly, plans were made, with the joint efforts of SQUH, KOH, his company and Air India towards in-flight equipment and counter any possible complications. Kumar was to be shifted in February, more than four months after the accident, via a commercial Air India flight. Accompanying him were Dr Abishek Ajay Kaul (Emergency Physician), Emil Jose (Staff Nurse) from KOH, and his son.

Basic and resuscitation equipment were carried along.

The patient was transferred on-board via an elevator. He was strapped in on a special bed after collapsing 9 conventional seats. Suctioning was performed by a portable device and vital signs monitored at regular intervals.

The 11 hour journey (starting from SQUH, including waiting times at both Muscat and Mumbai airports) was uneventful and he was delivered to the country of his birth successfully.

The task accomplished stands testimony to what KOH’s Emergency Department is capable of. The department is fully equipped to meet any emergency medical situation with the world’s best equipment and highly experienced professionals.