Emergency surgery in mid of road; Doctors save youth's life using blades and straws, doctors appreciated for initiative

KOCHI: Three doctors performed an emergency surgery on a youth injured in a road accident in the middle of the road. The incident happened in South Paravur in Ernakulam. Dr Manoop, Dr Thomas Peter and his wife Dr Didhiya performed the surgery. Dr Manoop is assistant professor of Kottayam Medical College, Dr Thomas Peter and Dr Didhiya are working in Indira Gandhi Cooperative Hospital in Kochi.

Linu of Kollam was subjected to the surgery. The doctors decided to conduct an emergency surgery on him because blood and dirt entered his lungs following the injury he sustained in the accident, causing difficulty in breathing. The surgery was performed using razor blades and paper straws as the necessary medical equipment was not available.

After duty, Dr Thomas Peter and his wife Didhiya were going to St Johns the Baptist Church in South Paravur to celebrate Christmas. Shortly before reaching the church, they saw youths with injuries sustained in an accident. One of them was standing up without any serious injuries. The other youth was talking, although he was bleeding from his mouth. However, the third, Linu, was in a serious condition.

His face and other parts were injured and was bleeding. Mathew and Didhiya noticed that someone was holding his neck in a special way. They both realized that it was a doctor from the way he was being treated. Since they realized that the youth would not survive until he reached the hospital, the three doctors performed surgery on the roadside.

The locals arranged paper straws and blades for them but could not arrange gloves. After the paper straws got soaked in blood, they used a Frootie’s straw. The doctors directed not to take mobile videos of the procedure. The locals cooperated with this. The police officers also gave them confidence.

By the time the ambulance arrived, Linu started breathing. The injured were shifted to the hospital. Dr Manoop accompanied Linu to a private hospital in Kochi. He is presently undergoing treatment at Ernakulam WellCare Hospital.

The doctors have been appreciated for their initiative. The three have set a model in providing emergency care to the victims.