“Johana Ngeno Could Have Survived but Died in My Arms with the Little Help I Could Offer,” Heartbroken Nurse Reveals

A young nursing student has shared the painful and emotional moments she experienced while trying to save victims of the helicopter crash in Nandi County that tragically claimed the life of Johanna Ngeno, the Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr.

The student, Jacobeth Jeptoo, 22, was among the first people to arrive at the crash site shortly after the accident occurred.

She was accompanied by her mother, Magdalene Bitok, when they rushed to the scene to see how they could help the victims.

Speaking about the incident, Jeptoo said the scene was heartbreaking and chaotic. According to her account, four of the victims had died instantly due to the severity of the crash. 

However, two others were still alive when she arrived, giving her hope that they could be saved.

Jeptoo revealed that one of the survivors showed clear signs of life and continued breathing for nearly 30 minutes after the crash. 

Determined to help, she immediately applied the ABC emergency protocol—a basic life-saving procedure used to assess a patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation.

Despite her efforts, the victim eventually succumbed to his injuries.

“He could have survived, but he died in my arms with the little help I could offer,” Jeptoo said, describing the moment that left her deeply shaken.

She added that one victim briefly raised his hand, showing that he was still conscious, while another person who had survived the initial impact passed away about five minutes later. 

While assessing the injured, Jeptoo noticed that one victim had severe internal bleeding. Shortly afterward, blood began coming out from the mouth, nose, and ears—an indication of serious internal trauma.

Although she is still a student at Kendu Adventist School of Medical Sciences and has not yet completed her final exams, Jeptoo did not hesitate to step in and assist. 

She explained that even though she did not personally know any of the victims, she treated them with the same urgency and care she would give to members of her own family.

The tragic experience also exposed the challenges faced by first responders in rural areas. Jeptoo pointed out that some Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who came to assist did not have the necessary emergency equipment.

According to her, the gloves and masks used during the rescue attempts were actually her own personal supplies.

She emphasized that if local responders had proper training and access to emergency tools, more lives could potentially be saved before professional rescue teams arrive.

Jeptoo’s mother also described the incident as traumatic. She said she remained at the crash site until the bodies were finally removed and admitted that the experience has made it difficult for her to sleep.

The story of the young nursing student has since touched many Kenyans on social media, with many praising her courage and compassion during such a devastating moment.

Jeptoo also extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, saying she continues to keep them in her prayers.