Patna to Delhi (SGRH): Emergency Charter Air Ambulance Transfer for a Critically Ill Patient with Suspected Pneumonia

 

When a patient’s lungs begin to fail, time becomes the most critical factor. Life Savers was urgently mobilized for a charter air ambulance transfer from Patna to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), Delhi, involving a patient with suspected pneumonia, white-out lung on imaging, and severe respiratory compromise.

The patient required continuous oxygen support at 3 liters, Norad infusion for blood pressure maintenance, and immediate tertiary-level intervention that was unavailable locally. This was a race against hypoxia—and one that demanded ICU-level care in the air.

Patient Overview

• Condition: Suspected pneumonia with white-out lung
• Respiratory Status: Severe compromise
• Oxygen Support: Continuous 3 L/min oxygen
• Hemodynamics: On Norad support
• Urgency: Immediate intervention required
• Route: Patna → Delhi
• Receiving Hospital: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), Delhi

Mode of Transport: Charter Air Ambulance

Medical Team: Life Savers ICU Specialist Team

The patient was unstable, hypoxic, and at high risk of sudden deterioration.

Why This Transfer Was High-Risk

This case involved multiple red-flag clinical indicators:

• White-out lung, indicating severe lung involvement
• Suspected pneumonia, with rapidly worsening oxygenation●
• Dependence on vasopressors (Norad)
• Risk of acute respiratory failure
• Potential for sudden desaturation during flight

Hemodynamic instability

Air travel adds physiological stress due to altitude-related pressure changes, making ICU expertise essential.

Life Savers’ Air Ambulance Strategy

1. ICU-Configured Charter Aircraft

The aircraft was prepared as a flying ICU with:

• High-flow oxygen delivery systems
• Multi-parameter monitoring (ECG, BP, SpO₂)
• Syringe pumps for continuous Norad infusion
• Emergency airway management equipment
• Advanced resuscitation drugs
• Portable suction and backup oxygen

This ensured uninterrupted critical care throughout the journey.

2. ICU Specialist Team Onboard

Life Savers deployed a senior critical care team consisting of:

• ICU Physician
• Critical Care Nurse
• Flight-trained Paramedic
• The team continuously managed:
• Oxygenation and respiratory effort
• Norad dose titration
• Blood pressure and cardiac rhythm
• Signs of respiratory fatigue or collapse
• Readiness for emergency airway intervention

Every phase of the flight—takeoff, cruise, and landing—was closely monitored.

3. Rapid Bed-to-Bed Coordination

The transfer was executed with precision:

• Stabilization at Patna hospital
• Smooth airport transfer with minimal movement
• Continuous monitoring during flight
• Advance coordination with SGRH Delhi ICU
• Immediate handover upon landing for advanced pulmonary and critical care management
• No delays. No compromise.

Outcome: Safe Arrival at SGRH, Delhi

Despite the severity of lung involvement and vasopressor dependence, the patient:

• Maintained stable vitals during the flight
• Required no emergency escalation mid-air
• Was handed over directly to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital ICU
• Received immediate specialist intervention upon arrival

A timely transfer made advanced care possible when it mattered the most.

Why Hospitals Trust Life Savers for Critical Air Transfers

• ICU-configured charter air ambulances
• Senior critical care specialists onboard
• Expertise in pneumonia, ARDS, and respiratory failure cases
• Rapid mobilization across India
• In-house medical and aviation coordination
• Trusted by leading hospitals including SGRH

Life Savers ensures that critically ill patients reach the right hospital—safely, quickly, and under expert medical supervision.