Indian Coast Guard Airlifts 83-Year-Old Patient From Lakshadweep In Medical Emergency

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) District Headquarters at Lakshadweep Islands received a request for urgent medical evacuation of a patient from the UTL Administration on December 30, 2024. Responding promptly to the medical emergency, the ICG District Headquarters coordinated with the Coast Guard Air Enclave at Kochi and Regional Headquarters in Mumbai to ensure the safe and successful execution of the evacuation.

The 83-year-old male patient, suffering from massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding, severe anemia, acute left ventricular failure precipitated by anemia, severe mitral regurgitation, severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and hypertension, was airlifted along with a medical escort. The patient was evacuated to Kochi using the ICG Dornier 228 aircraft based at Kochi. The aircraft departed Agatti Island at 18:55 hours and landed in Kochi at 20:40 hours. Upon arrival, the patient was transferred to a city hospital for further medical treatment.

This marks the fifth such medical evacuation by the ICG this year, including two conducted during dark hours. The successful operation underscores the Indian Coast Guard's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens, even in remote regions, under all weather conditions.

The Indian Coast Guard maintains an active presence in the Lakshadweep Islands and consistently supports the UTL Administration and islanders in emergencies, living up to its motto, "We Protect."