Life on the Line: Doctors’ Heroic Actions That Saved Lives in Heart Emergencies
Kolkata, December 28, 2024: In the blink of an eye, the world can shift from ordinary to life-threatening. When that shift happens, what stands between life and death often isn’t just medicine—but the quick, heroic actions of those who step up in moments of crisis. Two such acts of bravery occurred in December 2024, as doctors from Manipal Hospitals stepped in to save lives when it mattered most.
On December 6, 2024, during a routine flight from Kolkata to Delhi, a 45-year-old woman suddenly collapsed in distress. With her breathing compromised and her blood pressure soaring to life-threatening levels, Dr. Smita Moitra, Consultant & In-charge of the Emergency Department at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, became the calm in the storm. Despite the critical nature of the situation, with limited medical supplies available in the aircraft, Dr. Moitra acted swiftly—administering Lasix to reduce fluid overload, nitroglycerin for chest pain, and oxygen to stabilize her breathing. Her timely intervention was nothing short of life-saving, preventing what could have been a fatal cardiac arrest. As the flight diverted to Ranchi for an emergency landing, Dr. Moitra’s presence of mind ensured that the patient was safely transferred for further care, later making a full recovery.
Similarly, on December 25, 2024, at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, Dr. Garima Aggarwal, Consultant – Nephrologist and Renal Transplant Physician at Manipal Hospitals Varthur Road, found herself in the right place at the right time. While waiting for her flight to Delhi, she witnessed a man collapse suddenly from a heart attack. With no medical professionals immediately available, Dr. Aggarwal rushed to the scene, quickly assessing the unresponsive man, and began performing CPR and raised alarm for further assistance. Despite the challenges of clearing his airway, her determination never wavered. As she continued CPR, an airport medical team arrived, and together, they used an AED and administered shocks. Thanks to Dr. Aggarwal’s swift actions, the man regained a pulse and was stabilized in time for transport to a hospital.
Dr. Moitra and Dr. Aggarwal’s quick thinking and expertise show, timely intervention in cardiac emergencies can save lives. In India, nearly half of all heart attack patients reach hospitals 400 minutes after the onset of symptoms—far beyond the ideal window of 30 minutes. Without intervention within 18 minutes of a cardiac arrest, irreversible damage occurs. This is why Manipal Hospitals has taken a bold step to ensure at least 3 percent of Indians know how to administer CPR.
Manipal Hospitals has conducted multiple CPR training sessions in schools, colleges, corporate offices, and institutions throughout the year. In Kolkata alone, they have trained over 2,000 volunteers. Through their “Hridoye Jurey Kolkata” initiative, they are training security guards, volunteers at educational institutions, associations, and community members in CPR, ensuring that help is always nearby. Manipal Hospital’s “Mission 3K – 3000 Hearts One Beat” event in Bangalore has achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest hands-only CPR relay, with 3,319 participants, further emphasizing the importance of being prepared.
Every person trained in CPR becomes a potential lifesaver, making it possible for more heartbeats to be saved. In a world where cardiac emergencies strike unexpectedly, Manipal Hospitals’ unwavering commitment to heart health is ensuring that every heartbeat truly counts.
