Delhi to Guwahati: Critical Rail Ambulance Transfer of a Ventilated 72-Year-Old Patient

Life Savers successfully transported a 72-year-old female from Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, to Guwahati via Rail Ambulance. The patient had extreme muscle wasting, pneumonia, continuous tracheostomy secretions, and was ventilator-dependent. She required constant suctioning and close airway monitoring throughout the long journey.

Patient Overview

- Age: 72 years

- Condition: Severe muscle wasting, recent pneumonia

- Airway: On tracheostomy tube with continuous secretions

- Respiratory Support: On ventilator

- Hospitalization: 2+ months at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital

- Hemodynamic Event: BP drop during journey; started on continuous Norad infusion

- Route: Delhi → Guwahati via Rail Ambulance

Challenges

- Continuous thick secretions requiring frequent suctioning

- Risk of airway obstruction due to tracheostomy dependence

- Ventilator support for the entire route

- Poor respiratory reserve from pneumonia and muscle wasting

- Hemodynamic instability mid-journey requiring Norad support

- More than 30 hours of uninterrupted ICU-level monitoring

Life Savers’ Approach

1. ICU-Equipped Rail Ambulance

- Transport ventilator

- Portable multi-parameter monitor

- Oxygen supply system

- Suction machine for tracheal secretions

- Infusion pumps for Norad

- Emergency drugs & equipment

- Defibrillator

2. Dedicated Critical Care TeamA senior ICU doctor and ICU nurse accompanied the patient throughout. They managed:

- Ventilator settings & oxygenation

- Continuous suctioning of secretions

- Blood pressure & Norad titration

- Airway management & tracheostomy care

- Positioning, comfort, and vitals monitoring

3. Emergency Management

During transport, the patient experienced a sudden BP drop. The team:

- Started continuous Norad infusion

- Optimized fluids

- Adjusted ventilator settings

- Monitored closely until stabilization

Outcome

The patient remained stable on ventilatory and Norad support and was handed over safely to the

receiving hospital in Guwahati. Continuous monitoring prevented airway blockage and further

deterioration.

Why Life Savers?

- Fully equipped Rail ICU compartments

- Experienced critical care team

- Expertise in ventilated & tracheostomy patient transport

- No outsourcing — complete in-house service

- Safe long-distance medical transfers across India