Bhubaneswar to Delhi Air Ambulance Transfer for Severe Head Injury
Timely access to advanced neurocritical care can significantly influence outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury. This case documents a high-risk intercity air transfer managed with full intensive care support and continuous clinical supervision.
Case Overview
A 60-year-old male patient sustained a road traffic accident in Bhubaneswar, resulting in severe head trauma. He was initially admitted to Sum Ultimate Hospital, Bhubaneswar, where he received emergency stabilization. Given the extent of neurological injury and the need for advanced critical care, an intercity transfer to Delhi was planned and executed by Life Savers Ambulance Services using an air ambulance.
Patient Condition
The patient was diagnosed with Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI), indicating widespread traumatic damage to the brain. At the time of transfer, his clinical status included:
- Severe traumatic brain injury with limited neurological recovery
- Continuous mechanical ventilator dependence
- Ongoing oxygen support
- Noradrenaline infusion to maintain adequate blood pressure
- High risk of hemodynamic and neurological instability
Although there was minimal neurological improvement, the patient remained critically ill and required uninterrupted ICU-level care.
Transport Decision
Considering the long distance between Bhubaneswar and Delhi and the patient’s unstable condition, a medical air ambulance was chosen as the safest option. Air transfer allowed rapid relocation while maintaining a controlled ICU environment, which would not have been feasible with prolonged road or rail transport.
Medical Setup and EscortLife Savers deployed a fully equipped air ambulance, effectively functioning as a flying ICU, with:
- Transport ventilator for continuous respiratory support
- Infusion pumps for noradrenaline administration
- Continuous monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and ventilation parameters
- Emergency airway and resuscitation equipment
The patient was escorted by a critical care doctor and a trained paramedic, ensuring real-time medical decision-making throughout the flight.
Execution of Transfer
The transfer was conducted as a bed-to-bed medical transport, with seamless coordination from the ICU at Sum Ultimate Hospital to the receiving facility in Delhi. During the flight:
- Ventilator and oxygen support remained uninterrupted
- Blood pressure was maintained on vasopressor infusion
- No episodes of clinical deterioration were noted
The journey remained stable and uneventful despite the patient’s high-risk neurological status.
Arrival and Handover
On arrival in Delhi, the patient was safely transferred to the receiving critical care team for further advanced neurocritical management. A detailed clinical handover ensured continuity of treatment and monitoring.
Clinical Perspective
Patients with diffuse axonal injury require meticulous handling during interfacility transfers, as even minor physiological fluctuations can worsen neurological outcomes. This case highlights the importance of:
- Early decision-making for higher-center referral
- ICU-level air ambulance support
- Experienced medical escorts for ventilated and vasopressor-dependent patients
Life Savers Ambulance Services continues to provide structured, ethical, and clinically sound air ambulance services in India, ensuring that critically injured patients are transferred safely, with dignity and continuity of care.
