https://www.docvenu.com/

The Unbelievable Story of the Calicut Airport Mock Drill and the Frightening Air Crash a Decade Later

A Monday Morning Call That Changed Everything

It was a busy Monday morning in September 2011. I had just wrapped up my morning rounds, residents' sessions, and reporting when my phone rang. It was a call from the Head of the Customer Care Department.

"Dr. Venu, two important people from Calicut International Airport are here. They need to meet you regarding a mock drill."

I told them I would be there in five minutes. Little did I know, this meeting would set off a chain of events that would not only test our preparedness but also eerily foreshadow a real-life tragedy nearly a decade later.

When I walked into the Customer Care Department—later renamed the Business Development Department—I saw two gentlemen seated in front of the department head. I was introduced to Mr. Pradeep Kandoth, the Airport Director of Calicut International Airport, and his assistant.

Mr Pradeep Kandoth - Calicut Airport Director 2011 

They needed our assistance in conducting a mock drill for an air crash scenario. I listened carefully but told them upfront,

"It’s pointless to conduct a namesake drill just for documentation. If we do this, it must be realistic and scientific. Many firefighters and first responders don’t even have proper triage training. We need at least a month to train your personnel before conducting the drill properly."

Pradeep, to my surprise, agreed without hesitation. He was enthusiastic about making this a meaningful exercise. We scheduled the mega mock drill for December 2, 2011.

The Preparation – A Month of Relentless Training

The preparation for the drill was intense. From November onwards, we started training 985 airport staff in small batches of 40 to 50 members. The sessions covered:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Trauma care & fracture management
• Safe patient shifting techniques
• Acute burn care
• Disaster management
• On-site triage & ambulance operations
• Fire & safety management

Rescuers received  proper training ( Dr Ramkumar)

Our Emergency Medicine team at Aster MIMS, EMS staff, Angels EMCT volunteers, and IMA ACT Force members led the training. The efforts extended beyond the airport—we also conducted awareness sessions for local auto and taxi drivers to ensure community involvement in rescue operations.

By November 30 and December 1, we were running detailed execution exercises. It was a massive collaboration:

• Dr Abdulla Cherayakkatt( MD-MIMS), Dr KK Varma( Director QAD), Dr.C Raveendran       ( Principal CMC) ,Dr.Fabith Moideen, Dr. Ramkumar, Dr. Balasubramanian, Dr. Shafi Ejaz, Dr. Binu Kuriakose, Dr.Rehna,  Dr. Soma Sekar, and our PG students were leading teams.( Many other names not mentioned here)
• Along with me, Pradeep Kandoth  took over the master control of the mega mock drill
• Binu Augastine and Jefsin, our AHA coordinators, ensured resuscitation training was flawless.
• Munir and the Angels team, along with Dr. Manoj Kaloor, Dr. Abdulla KM, Dr. Meharoof Raj, Dr. Rajesh Neelamala, Adv. Mathew Kattikkana, Adv Jairaj, Mathew C Kulangara, Musthafa K P, Gopettan and Firoz lal, ensured coordination.
• Dr. Moideen Kutty (Relief Hospital), Dr. PB Salim IAS (Collector Kozhikode), SPs of Calicut & Malappuram, and the DMOs of both districts were closely involved.
• Excellent organizational Support from MIMS Hospital, ANGELS International Foundation, IMA KSB- Act force & Accident Care Cell, SEMI ( Society for Emergency Medicine in India), AAI- Airport Authority of India, GWU-US, Calicut medical College, and KMCT Ayurveda College, Angels Ambulance Network, Press club Calicut, Fire force and Police department made everything perfect.

Even Mr. Pradeep Hudino and his team played a key role, using their expertise in special effects and makeup to make the victims' injuries look real.

Magician Pradeep Hudino Magic world , Calicut 

The feedback from the trainees was incredible. The Emirates Airways Manager, deeply moved by the hands-on approach, told us:

"This was the most realistic training I have ever witnessed. I will insist all airports adopt this. In fact, I will make sure my own family undergoes this training, so I know they are safe in an emergency."

December 2, 2011 – The Mock Drill That Made History

We were ready. It was the largest mock drill in the history of Calicut Airport, possibly in India.

We built a plane model using cardboard and prepared 200 actors (mostly medical and ayurvedic students) with realistic injury makeup. To simulate a real crash, we created a huge fire pit filled with 10,000 liters of aviation fuel—the exact amount that would be in both wings of a real aircraft

Aviation fuel ready to burn

10000 litres of Aviation fuel

At 5:00 PM sharp, we ignited the fuel.

Within seconds, an inferno as tall as two coconut trees engulfed the area.

Plane crash and Fire control

Mock drill, Immediate response following Code green

The airport’s code green alert was activated, and a message was sent to the Air Traffic Control:

"A plane crash has occurred at the eastern side of the runway downhill. There are 200 passengers on board. Firefighting and medical teams needed immediately."

The Response Was Phenomenal:

• Within 3 minutes, three massive foam fire extinguishers arrived. Within 30 seconds, the flames were completely doused.
• Rescue teams evacuated all 200 victims, using the START triage system (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment).
• Victims were categorized into Red (critical), Yellow (moderate), Green (walking wounded), and Black (dead) and transported accordingly.
• 200 ambulances from the Angels network transported victims to designated hospitals, ensuring C-spine protection and proper immobilization for trauma patients.
• Senior emergency physicians, Physicians, EMS staff provided on-site stabilization before transport.
• All together, more than 500 volunteers participated in the mock drill

       

                              Historical mock drill, Video was viewed by more than 4,40,000 people 

                                         https://youtu.be/KdGHXLe3C9E?si=DCh4hz-XXgzBrY74

• 

  Triaged out the victims and Transport priority fixed

  
  

  

  Cooperation and Coordination

  
  
  
  
  

  

  Dr Moidheen Kutty -Relief hospital Kondotty, very close to Airport

  
  

  

  Triage and Medical transport

  
  

  

  Onsite planning - Dr PB Salim IAS, and Mr Pradeep Kandoth on my right & Left 

  
  

  

  Angels Directors and  Mr Sparjan Kumar IPS

  
  
  
  

Triage, Treatment & Transport (3Ts)

https://youtu.be/4EwVbL5sZvA

The Aftermath – Learnings That Would Save Lives

During the debriefing session chaired by Dr. PB Salim IAS, several key gaps were identified:

• Traffic bottlenecks near Pulikkal and Kadavu River toll booth delayed patient transport.
• Nearby hospitals lacked advanced trauma care capabilities.
• Hospital staff spine protection awareness was inadequate in many centres, which was evident on the victim's arrival.

We submitted our findings to the authorities, hoping for improvements.

August 7, 2020 – The Real-Life Nightmare

Nine years later, on August 7, 2020, a real disaster struck the exact same spot where we conducted our drill.

Plane landed on black Friday in Kerala on the COVID-19 Background

Plane crash at Calicut Airpot 2020

Brief Overview, how we treated patients in Aster MIMS Calicut ( Malayalam )

Air India Express Flight 1344, part of the Vande Bharat Mission, crashed at Calicut International Airport after overshooting the tabletop runway in heavy rain. The aircraft skidded off a 35-ft slope, killing both pilots and 19 passengers.

I received the call at 7:30 PM. My heart sank.

By 8:30 PM, plane crash victims began arriving at the hospital. Managing the disaster while wearing full PPE was another unique challenge. As part of the Golden Hour Response Team, I witnessed 49 crash victims being rushed to Aster MIMS—the very hospital where we had trained for such a scenario years ago. Other victims were transported to 12 hospitals across Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, including Calicut Medical College, BMH, IQRA Hospital, and several others. All victims received exceptional golden hour and definitive care, likely due to the unparalleled emphasis on emergency medicine training and the transformation of casualty departments into full-fledged emergency departments over the past decade in this region

What We Got Right – And What We Didn’t

The Bright Side:

• Hospital-based golden hour care had improved.
• The bottlenecks identified in 2011 had been corrected, ensuring faster hospital transfers.
• Many emergency departments were led by my former students, delivering high-quality care.
• The community’s response was incredible—local civilians played a huge role in initial rescue efforts.

The Dark Side:

• Pre-hospital care remained a serious issue.
• Some victims were transported in cars instead of ambulances, worsening injuries.
• Many ambulances lacked proper spinal immobilization techniques.

Among the heartbreaking moments, I still remember receiving the lifeless bodies of the pilot, co-pilot, and a small child in my hands.

It was a Black Friday for all of us.

A Lesson in Preparedness – And a Call for Change

What happened in 2011 wasn’t just an exercise—it was a warning. When the real tragedy struck in 2020, we were more prepared, but we were still not perfect.

Emergency medicine has come a long way, but the gap in pre-hospital trauma care must be addressed. The next decade should be about making sure that every patient is given a fighting chance—not just in hospitals, but from the moment disaster strikes.

History repeats itself. The question is, will we be ready next time?

Forever.....

 

---

Landing in No Man’s Land: An Abrupt Diversion in My Professional Life

The years 2006 and 2007 were turning points in my life—etched in both my personal and professional history forever. Until then, I had spent 18 years as a clinical anesthesiologist, particularly specializing in high-risk pediatric and ENT head & neck surgeries. From 1997 onwards, I had been a working partner with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Manoj, and Dr. Mohanakrishnan when they established the Institute of ENT & Head & Neck Surgeries. My expertise in safe anesthesia techniques, especially in high-risk cases, made me a trusted and valued team member among my surgical colleagues.

I was deeply embedded in the operating theater family, fully engaged in a profession I cherished. Alongside my clinical work, I had a strong inclination toward academics and medical training. I served as the Director of the MIMS School of Resuscitation and as the Coordinator of MIMS Academy, actively involved in CPR & Trauma Care training, Code Blue activities, and postgraduate medical entrance coaching. Prof. K.K. Varma, the Director of MIMS Academy, was a guiding force in my academic endeavors, and Dr. Bijay Raj, a dear friend and family medicine specialist, played a crucial role in running the PG entrance coaching programs, which were strongly endorsed by Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman of MIMS.

Dr Azad Moopen

Prof KK Varma

I was also actively engaged in life support training for doctors and EMS professionals. In 1997, I had the honor of serving as the Organizing Chairman of Resuscitation 1997, a national conference on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) under the mentorship of Prof. M.R. Rajagopal—a veteran anesthesiologist who revolutionized modern anesthesia practice in Kerala and pioneered palliative care in India. He was my Maha Guru, inspiring me to strive for excellence in my field.

Resuscitation 1997 - Media support Prof MRR is addressing the gathering

Mr.Jacob Punnoose IPS inaugurated the CME. Interestingly,  Mr.Punnoose became the state chairman of ANGELS( Active Network of Life Savers) in 2016

The banner mentioned as emergency medicine in 1997

However, fate had an unexpected path in store for me. In 2007, precisely a decade after my first deep involvement in resuscitation, I found myself at a crossroads—a sudden diversion that would redefine my career and shape the future of emergency medicine in India.

---

A Bold Move into the Unknown

The turning point came after a contradictory conversation with the Head of Anesthesia, which left me deeply unsettled. That morning, I made an impulsive yet life-changing decision.

I approached Dr. Abdulla Cherayakkat, MD of Aster MIMS, and proposed a bold idea:

"If you entrust me with the responsibility of transforming your casualty department into a world-class emergency room, I will bring palpable changes. Let me know if you are willing to take that risk."

Dr. Abdulla paused for a moment and replied,

"Give me one hour. I’ll get back to you after discussing it with Dr. Azad Moopen."

Exactly one hour later, at 11:30 AM, my phone rang. It was Dr. Abdulla, and his words changed my life forever:

"Dr. Azad has approved your mission. You are now in charge of transforming MIMS Calicut’s casualty into a state-of-the-art emergency room."

Dr Abdulla Cherayakkat  Managing Director

With that single decision, my professional identity shifted overnight—from a seasoned anesthesiologist to an emergency medicine pioneer.

At that time, Calicut MIMS casualty was a chaotic, unstructured space, managed by hourly-waged doctors who acted more like traffic controllers than emergency care providers. There was no structured approach, no standardized protocols, and no vision for emergency medicine as a specialty.

Even the Medical Council of India (MCI) had not yet recognized emergency medicine as a separate specialty. This official recognition would only come on July 21, 2009. But in 2007, we were stepping into uncharted territory, with no existing framework to follow.

The challenges were immense—staff training, doctor training, triage implementation, restructuring protocols, architectural changes to the ER, interdepartmental coordination, and more. Yet, Dr. Azad Moopen, Dr. Abdulla Cherayakkat, and the leadership at Aster had unwavering faith in me.

First batch of FEM residents

This was the exclusive logo for ER endorsed by the Chairman

Many of my colleagues were shocked by my decision. They could not understand why, in my forties, at the peak of a successful career, I would abandon a secure and established role for an unstructured and unrecognized field.

But I knew one thing:

If I had to survive and succeed in this new domain, I had to de-learn everything I had practiced for 18 years and start anew.

And that’s exactly what I did.

---

A Personal Experience That Strengthened My Resolve

My determination to revolutionize emergency medicine was deeply personal.

In 2005, two years before this transition, I survived a near-fatal accident. While driving home after work, a tipper lorry crashed into my Opel Corsa, leaving me with a fractured foot and facial lacerations. I was conscious and instructed bystanders to take me to MIMS Hospital, where I worked.

What happened next was shocking.

As I lay in the casualty ward, a junior resident medical officer (RMO) approached me with a razor blade and, without any assessment, partially shaved off my left eyebrow—a completely unnecessary and unscientific procedure.

At that time, there was no structured triage, no ABCDE approach, and no standardized emergency care. The casualty was literally a place where everything happened “casually”, with minimal oversight.

That painful realization fueled my determination. When the opportunity came in 2007, I seized it without hesitation.

---

Laying the Foundation of Emergency Medicine in India

With the support of Dr. Azad Moopen, Dr. Abdulla Cherayakkat, and international experts like Dr. Bobby Kapoor (GWU), Dr. George Abraham (IIEMS), and Prof. K.K. Varma, we worked to establish a structured Emergency Medicine training program.

GWU inspection at MIMS Calicut

A pivotal meeting at Taj Hotel, Calicut, brought together key stakeholders, including:

• Dr. Bobby Kapoor, Dr. George Abraham, and Mr. John from GWU
• Dr. Azad Moopen, Dr. Abdulla Cherayakkat, myself, CFO Jayakrishnan, ER Salahuddin, and Er Abdul Rahman from MIMS

The decision was made:

MIMS Calicut would launch India’s first structured two-year Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program.

On July 1, 2007, the program began with 10 residents, supported by monthly faculty visits from GWU and top Indian emergency medicine specialists like Dr. Tamorish Kole and Dr. Babu Palatty.

Dr Tamorish Kole

I dedicated myself entirely to this mission—training doctors, running public education programs, developing EMS networks, lobbying for recognition, and traveling across India and abroad. I introduced FAST ultrasound, triage protocols, infection control strategies, EMRs, mock drills, ambulance networking, CMEs, and workshops.

Dr Bobby Kapoor USA - He was the person who brought down International EM to India and personally, he introduced me to the International EM world for the first time

Dr.Judith Tintinelli, who wrote the most authentic textbook in Emergency medicine

Parallelly, Dr. Abdulla initiated discussions with Dr. Sahadulla, Chairman of KIMS Trivandrum, to launch the same program there, hoping to reduce overall costs. Dr. Ashish Nandi was appointed ER head at KIMS, but unfortunately, KIMS could not sustain the program in the long run.

Dr Ashish Nandi

---

Looking Back: A Historic Leap Forward

Today, as I reflect on this journey, I realize that leaving anesthesia for emergency medicine was not a diversion—it was destiny.

What started in 2007 at Aster MIMS Calicut has since evolved into a nationally recognized specialty, transforming emergency healthcare in India.

The no man’s land I stepped into has now become a structured and respected domain.

And I am incredibly proud to have been part of this history.

Because sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the most extraordinary destinations.

Some feedback on this blog write-up received in social media

Angels Launch- An Untold Story

The Dream Takes Shape

February 18, 2011, is a day that will forever remain etched in my memory. It was the day we had chosen to launch our dream project ”Active Network Group of Emergency Life Savers (Angels), India’s first community-based ambulance network. The initiative was a bold, pioneering step in pre-hospital emergency care, connecting 20 ambulances initially through a GPS-GPRS system with a centralized console established at the Institute of Palliative Care Medicine , Kozhikode. Later this network grown up to a network of 600 Ambulances state wide .

The project was a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, a first-of-its-kind in the region, designed to bring emergency medical care to people’s doorsteps. The vision was clear: to create a robust, technology-driven, life-saving network that could revolutionize emergency response in India.

Our greatest honor was securing the consent of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, to inaugurate the project. It was a moment of immense pride and excitement, made possible through the efforts of Dr. PB Salim IAS, the then District Collector of Kozhikode and Chairman of Angels.

With Tagore Centenary Hall chosen as the venue, every detail was meticulously planned. The technical trials had been conducted, and our emergency access number, 102, was fully operational. The city was abuzz with anticipation’s everyone was eager to witness the launch of this revolutionary project.

A Sudden Setback

However, just a day before the launch, an unexpected roadblock shattered our excitement.

At a crucial final planning meeting at Adv. Jairaj’s office on Cherooty Road, Calicut, we received a call from Dr. PB Salim. His voice was heavy.

”Tomorrow’s inauguration will not happen.”

We were stunned, frozen, and speechless. The reason? Political pressure and intervention, particularly from ruling parties and local MLAs, who were determined to sabotage the initiative. There were strong objections and unreasonable interference’s something all too common in Kerala when innovative projects are introduced.

The news hit us like a thunderbolt. We had already announced the launch across press, media, and social platforms. Reverting everything now was not only embarrassing but heartbreaking. Months of relentless work, dedication, and hope seemed to crumble in an instant.

That night was sleepless. The entire board of directors, including Dr. PB Salim, Dr. Meharoof Raj, Sri TA Razak, Adv. Mathew Kattikkana, Adv. Jairaj, Dr. VP Balasubramanian, Adv. Suresh Menon, Sri Janardhanan IPS, Dr. KM Abdulla, Sri Mathew C Kulangara, Dr Supriya and Dr.Ajithkumar VT, Mustafa , and other members were devastated.

Mr. TA Razak placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder and said,

”Don’t worry, something good will come out of this”. But deep inside, we all felt defeated.

A Twist of Fate- A Secret Plan

At 10 AM on February 18, an unexpected call from Dr. PB Salim changed everything.

”All Angels board members should stay close by. Don’t be upset. A surprise is waiting for you”

His words sparked a glimmer of hope. Could there still be a way forward?

By 12:15 PM, another call came from Dr. PB Salim:

“Assemble at the PWD Guest House by 1:30 PM. We will launch Angels there-with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam himself!”

It was a miracle.

The Historic Moment - Angels Takes Flight

We rushed to the PWD Guest House, hearts racing with excitement. The event was no longer grand, no longer public, but it was about to become one of the most significant and intimate moments in our lives.

At exactly 1:30 PM, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam arrived. His first words were:

“Where is the life-saving Angels?”

We stepped forward, overwhelmed with emotions.

With his characteristic humility and warmth, Dr. Kalam formally inaugurated Angels in a simple yet profound ceremony. The nation’s Missile Man gave his blessings to what would become a historic milestone in India’s emergency care system.

We presented him with the Angels memento, a token of our deep gratitude. Though the event was scaled down, it became even more special, proving that determination and the right leadership can overcome any challenge.

A Tribute to Dr. PB Salim

This incredible turnaround was made possible only because of Dr. PB Salim IAS. His leadership, courage, and unwavering belief in Angels ensured that no political pressure could stop a noble initiative.

Dr. Salim, you were the guardian angel behind Angels. We are forever grateful for your vision and support.

The Legacy Lives On

Despite its turbulent launch, Angels became a transformative force in emergency medical services. It was India’s first community-based ambulance network, proving that a well-coordinated, technology-driven, and community-supported initiative can save lives.

This story is not just about one event; it’s about resilience, passion, and the will to fight for what is right. It is a reminder that every great initiative faces challenges, but perseverance and teamwork can turn adversity into victory.

February 18, 2011, was not the day Angels was stopped. It was the day Angels truly took flight.

A Simple Venous Thrombophlebitis That Cost a Career: A True Story from an Anesthesia Expert

Introduction

In the realm of anesthesia, precision and dexterity are paramount. Every movement of the hand, every controlled motion of the wrist, and every subtle adjustment determine the success of an anesthetic procedure. But what happens when something as seemingly trivial as an IV cannula placement changes the course of an expert’s career?

https://youtu.be/SZ2TClYz4zI?si=VeedEM3mldHrgSvT

This is the real story of Dr. Joseph (name changed), a senior anesthesiologist who once ruled the operating rooms with his unmatched expertise in spinal anesthesia. His skills were revered, his hands steady, and his experience invaluable. But a simple complication- a venous thrombophlebitis - took away his ability to practice, plunging him into professional, emotional, and financial despair.

The Story of Dr. Joseph(in 2000’s)

Dr. Joseph was a respected anesthesiologist at Calicut Medical College. He had mastered the art of spinal anesthesia, particularly in obstetric and gynecological surgeries, where precision and efficiency were critical. With over four decades of experience, he was the go-to expert for challenging cases.

Even after his retirement, his skills remained in high demand. He continued his practice on a freelance basis at a private hospital, earning his livelihood through the very hands that had served countless patients over the years.

But fate had other plans.

A Routine Surgery That Changed Everything

Like many aging professionals, Dr. Joseph developed an inguinal hernia and decided to undergo surgery at the same private hospital where he worked. The procedure was uneventful, and as part of standard preoperative protocol, an intravenous (IV) cannula was inserted for anesthesia and medication administration.

What seemed like a routine step turned into a nightmare.

Postoperatively, Dr. Joseph experienced excruciating pain- not at the surgical site, but at the IV cannulation site on the dorsum of his right wrist. The pain was unusual, persistent, and far worse than what he expected. On examination, the area showed redness and swelling, signs of thrombophlebitis.

The Unexpected Complication

The initial management was conservative. The IV cannula was removed, topical thrombophob ointment was applied, and analgesics were prescribed. However, despite these measures, the pain did not subside. Days turned into weeks, and his discomfort only worsened.

While his surgical wound healed within a few days, the pain in his dominant wrist continued for months. The very hand that had once performed thousands of precise spinal punctures was now a source of relentless agony.

For six long months, Dr. Joseph was unable to work. Spinal anesthesia demands effortless wrist movements, and his dominant hand was now unreliable, weak, and painful. His profession and his passion was slipping away.

The Aftermath: A Career Cut Short

Dr. Joseph faced not just physical pain but also professional and emotional turmoil. The financial strain of not being able to work was another devastating blow.

For someone who had spent a lifetime perfecting his craft, losing the ability to practice was more than just a setbacks -it was an identity crisis. Despite treatments, physiotherapy, and rest, the chronic pain in his wrist persisted, ultimately forcing him into early retirement.

Take-Home Lesson: The Importance of IV Cannula Placement

Dr. Joseph’s story serves as a crucial reminder for all medical professionals, especially those who rely heavily on their hands for their profession.

Key takeaway:

1)Avoid venous access on the dominant hand whenever possible.

2) If no other options exist, ensure the site is carefully monitored to prevent complications like thrombophlebitis.

3) In individuals who rely on their hands for precise works - surgeons, anesthesiologists, artists, and musicians - alternative IV access sites should always be considered.

Conclusion

A simple IV cannulation site complication might seem minor in the grand scheme of things, but for professionals like Dr. Joseph, it was life-altering. It serves as a powerful lesson in the importance of careful medical decisions, no matter how routine they may seem.

As healthcare professionals, we must always remember that even the smallest decisions can have profound consequences. A thrombophlebitic incident due to IV cannula cost Dr. Joseph his career’s ensure such preventable mistakes do not impact others in the same way.