“Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
We can never predict where or when the knowledge and training we have acquired over the years may be needed. It may not be in a hospital or in a healthcare facility, but in a completely unexpected place—perhaps at a moment when the lives of hundreds of people are at risk. At such a moment, one person's knowledge and training can become decisive. Passengers aboard the ‘Fly Dubai’ flight recently witnessed such an extraordinary incident. On September 30, Flight FZ1073 was carrying 174 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, was suddenly attacked inside the cockpit by his co-pilot, an Omani national Hamam Al Hammami, using the crash axe kept in the cockpit. The captain sustained serious injuries and suffered heavy bleeding. As the aircraft lost control and rapidly descended to an altitude of 17,000 feet, it became clear that the lives of everyone on board were in grave danger. However, the courage and timely intervention of several people helped avert the disaster. Despite being injured, Captain Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and cabin crew to rush into the cockpit and overpower the attacker. Two other pilots who were on board then helped regain control of the aircraft, which was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely. The passengers who helped overpower the attacker were hailed as heroes within hours. But there was another hero in this extraordinary incident whose contribution deserves special mention—Israeli dentist, Dr. Shota Musayev.
The Dentist Who Stepped Forward in a Crisis
When Dr. Musayev realized that there was a struggle taking place inside the cockpit, he immediately ran towards it. He joined the passengers in overpowering the attacker. But it was only after this that another important responsibility became apparent. When he saw Captain Machchhar seriously injured and bleeding, Dr. Musayev immediately began providing emergency assistance to save the pilot's life. He was reportedly the only doctor on board the aircraft. Within a short time, he was able to control the bleeding and played a crucial role in caring for the injured captain until the aircraft landed safely. He had none of the sophisticated equipment available in a hospital. There was no trained medical team to assist him. What he had were his knowledge, his training and, most importantly, the presence of mind to act appropriately in an emergency. And that was precisely what proved most valuable at that moment.
“Doesn't a Dentist Only Treat Teeth?” There is still a common misconception in the society about dentists—that their work is limited to matters concerning the teeth.
The person who treats toothache.
The person who extracts teeth.
The person who fills a cavity.
The person who performs root canal treatment.
For many people, this is the image of a dentist. But the reality is very different. Dentistry is a branch of healthcare. Along with subjects specific to dentistry, dental education includes several fundamental medical subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Medicine and Surgery. A patient visiting a dental clinic may suddenly lose consciousness. Their blood sugar may fall to a dangerously low level. They may develop a seizure, a severe allergic reaction, a cardiovascular emergency or difficulty breathing. In such situations, a dentist is trained to recognize the patient's condition, provide appropriate emergency assistance and keep the patient safe until expert medical care becomes available. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, who perform complex surgical procedures involving the mouth, face and jaws, receive even broader medical and surgical training. Their field includes the management of facial injuries caused by accidents, serious infections, bleeding and procedures performed under general anaesthesia, among many other areas. Therefore, Dr. Musayev's intervention reminds us of an important truth: a dentist does not treat only a tooth; a dentist treats a human being. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that dentists acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to medical emergencies as part of their professional training.
When Knowledge Became Action Within Seconds
Emergencies never announce their arrival in advance. In such situations, what has been learned from books and reinforced through practical training must be translated into action. That is exactly what Dr. Musayev did. A dentist practising in Holon, near Tel Aviv, he was returning from China. He was an ordinary passenger on the flight—but also the only doctor on board. He applied pressure to the wounds on the captain's head, neck and hands to control the bleeding and attempted to stabilize his blood pressure. When the captain cried out, “Help me; I don't want to die here,” Dr. Musayev reassured him, saying, “Everything will be all right.” When another human being urgently needed help, he recognized that he had the ability to help. And he stepped forward.
A Proud Moment for the Dental Community
Dr. Shota Musayev's timely intervention is a matter of great pride for the dental community around the world. The reason for this pride is not simply that he performed an extraordinary medical procedure. It is because, when a human life was in danger, he used his knowledge and skills as a healthcare professional to help save that life. The incident sends a powerful message: being a dentist is not merely a profession concerned with teeth; it is also part of comprehensive healthcare. Dr. Musayev did not have a treatment room that day. He did not have a large medical team around him. He did not have the facilities of an emergency department. But he had knowledge. He had training. And, most importantly, he had the willingness to act when the crisis came. Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that he would recommend Dr. Shota Musayev and three other passengers who courageously intervened during the incident for the President's Award for Civilian Heroism, in recognition of their bravery.
A Salute to the Courageous Indian Pilot
We cannot forget one of the most important heroes of this incident—the Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar. Even while his own life was in danger, the responsibility for the lives of hundreds of passengers on board rested on his shoulders. A pilot's responsibility does not end with flying the aircraft. During an emergency, the lives of every passenger on board may depend on the pilot's decisions, training and presence of mind. Despite facing a serious threat to his own life, Captain Machchhar took the necessary steps that enabled others to intervene and help save the lives of those on board. A big salute to his courage, presence of mind and sense of responsibility.
Not the Courage of One Person, but a Collective Action
It would not be complete to view this incident simply as the story of one person's bravery. Captain Machchhar struggled to maintain control of the aircraft. Passengers rushed into the cockpit and helped overpower the attacker. Dr. Musayev provided emergency care to the injured captain. Other pilots on board helped regain control of the aircraft. Each person played a role according to his or her ability and training. This successful outcome is a remarkable example of how the skills and courage of people from different professions can come together in a crisis.
Beyond Dentistry
Dr. Musayev's actions also provide an opportunity for dentists around the world to reflect on their own preparedness. Every dentist should continually update their knowledge and skills so that they can recognize medical emergencies and take appropriate life-saving measures when necessary. Basic life-support training and patient safety are not additional burdens placed upon dentistry. They are fundamental responsibilities of a healthcare professional. Dr. Musayev had never imagined that he would become a hero that day. He had boarded the aircraft simply as an ordinary passenger. But when the situation demanded action, something within him told him to step forward. He did. That is the true meaning of professional preparedness—to put one's knowledge into practice at the moment it is needed, wherever that moment may occur and whoever may need to be saved. It is for this reason that Dr. Shota Musayev's actions have become a source of pride and an inspiring example for the dental community around the world. Similarly, the courage, presence of mind and sense of responsibility demonstrated by Captain Smit Machchhar will remain an unforgettable chapter in the lives of the passengers who were on that flight. This incident teaches each one of us a profound lesson: whatever our profession may be, when a human life is in danger, we must be willing to step forward and help. The responsibility of protecting human life does not belong exclusively to any particular profession. It is also a duty that belongs to every human being. The words of the renowned missionary, physician and philosopher Dr. Albert Schweitzer are particularly relevant here: “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” This lies at the heart of Schweitzer's philosophy of “Reverence for Life.” To recognize the value and dignity of life, and to come forward to protect it to the best of our ability—that is the essence of true humanity. This is precisely what Captain Smit Machchhar and Dr. Shota Musayev remind us:
In moments of crisis, human life is greater than our professional title.