Guardians of Health and Safety: Inside the Vital Role of CSMIA’s Airport Medical Services Team

In the bustling world of aviation, where every second counts and unforeseen circumstances can arise any moment, the presence of a skilled and dedicated medical team is indispensable. At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), this vital role is filled by the Airport Medical Services team, a group of medical professionals committed to providing emergency assistance and healthcare support to passengers and staff.

At any given moment, CSMIA’s Airport Medical Centres and First Aid Centres are staffed with six doctors and ten nurses (paramedics), strategically located across the airport terminals. Their presence ensures swift response times and immediate medical attention in the event of any medical emergency. Whether it’s a minor ailment or a life-threatening situation, passengers and staff can be rest assured that help is readily available.

At CSMIA, every doctor stationed is a qualified and registered medical graduate, possessing substantial clinical experience. Similarly, the nursing staff, serving as paramedics, are qualified and registered Nursing officers with commendable clinical backgrounds. In addition to their basic qualifications, all medical personnel undergo training in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) skills. This ensures that CSMIA’s medical team is equipped with the requisite expertise and also prepared to deliver swift and effective emergency care in critical situations.

CSMIA’s medical team encounters various medical emergencies, ranging from common ailments like flu to more critical conditions such as cardiac arrests and neurological issues. The medical centres located within the passenger movement areas ensure easy accessibility for those in need. With clear signage strategically placed throughout the airport, passengers can quickly locate these centres, aided by assistance from the Information Desk staff and a dedicated 24×7 emergency helpline (022-66850108). Information about the medical centres is also available on the official website.

The Airport Medical Services team also contributes to upholding the stringent safety protocols of airport operations by administering Breath Analyzer tests to employees engaged in safety-sensitive duties at the airport, as per the guidelines issued by regulatory authorities like DGCA. In addition to the emergency & routine medical assistance, Airport Medical Services play an important role in implementing various government directives in collaboration with the Airport Health Organization, a central government entity, during Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) such as Ebola, MERS, COVID-19, and similar situations. Moreover, given Mumbai’s status as a leading destination for advanced medical treatments and medical tourism, Airport Medical Services facilitate the seamless transfer of unwell passengers between aircraft and the cityside, both incoming and outgoing.

CSMIA’s medical team maintains constant connectivity with other stakeholders through various communication channels, including landlines, dedicated duty mobile phones, emails, and wireless radio sets. In the event of a medical emergency onboard, the medical team collaborates with airlines to arrange for an Ambulift, ensuring swift and seamless transfer of the patient to the ambulance without exertion. They also facilitate customs and immigration clearance to expedite the process in case tertiary care is required, thus saving crucial time. The medical team provides essential medical assistance until the patient is handed over to the Casualty Medical Officer (CMO) of the hospital, along with a comprehensive patient history. In cases involving psychiatric or violent patients, the medical team coordinates with MIAL DTM & CISF for appropriate assistance and management.

Amongst the many stories of timely intervention and life-saving measures, one stands out vividly: the account of Ankit Sharma (name changes in view of the data confidentiality clause), a 46-year-old domestic passenger whose journey took an unexpected turn on the 7th of September 2023. Initially Ankit experienced profuse sweating and uneasiness, which further deteriorated into cardiac arrest, devoid of both blood pressure and pulse. However, thanks to the swift response of CSMIA’s medical team, who administered CPR, two defibrillation shocks, and crucial medication, Ankit was revived and safely transferred into the care of Nanavati Hospital’s cardiologist.

Similarly, on the 14th of January 2024, another life hung in the balance as 68-year-old domestic passenger Joseph Abranches (name changes in view of the data confidentiality clause), afflicted by liver cirrhosis, collapsed at T2 Level 4 Landside. While gasping for breath with low blood pressure and oxygen saturation, Joseph received prompt medical intervention from the airport medical team, including resuscitation, CPR, defibrillation shocks and essential medication as a result of which the patient was revived. Accompanied by a doctor and paramedic, Joseph was swiftly transported via a cardiac ambulance to Nanavati Hospital, where he was handed over to the capable hands of a cardiologist.

To stay abreast of the latest medical practices and procedures, CSMIA’s medical professionals undergo regular training and participate in Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs. Refresher courses in ACLS and interactive webinars led by specialist doctors further enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of emergency medical care.

As guardians of health and safety, CSMIA’s Airport Medical Services team plays a pivotal role in upholding the airport’s commitment to passenger well-being. Their utmost dedication, coupled with extensive training and collaborative efforts, ensures that CSMIA remains a safe and secure travel hub for all.