A swift response by the KMC Hospital Emergency Centre at Shri Krishna Hospital, Kakkinje, saved the life of a two-year-old boy who was choking on a coffee candy.
Quick medical intervention averts tragedy
On 18 February 2025, a distressed family rushed their two-year-old child to the emergency centre after he began struggling to breathe due to choking. The boy arrived in a critical state, with laboured breathing, pale complexion, and dangerously low oxygen levels.
Dr. Jeedhu Radhakrishnan, Cluster Head, Emergency Services, described the situation:
“The child was in distress, and our team, along with Shri Krishna Hospital, acted swiftly. We assessed his condition and found the candy obstructing his airway. Despite initial difficulty, our team successfully dislodged the candy using a combination of back blows and abdominal thrusts. Once the candy was expelled along with vomit, his breathing improved, and he was stabilised.”
The boy was admitted for observation, with X-rays confirming no remaining airway blockage. His vitals were closely monitored, and he was given necessary fluids and medication.
Impact of KMC Emergency Centre in rural areas
Dr. Murli Krishna Irwathraya, Founder and Medical Director of Shri Krishna Hospital, highlighted the centre’s importance for Kakkinje and nearby areas like Charmadi, Neriya, and Mundaje:
“The emergency centre has significantly improved medical outcomes in the region. We regularly treat cases involving cardiac issues, strokes, snake bites, trauma, and foreign object removal.”
Raising emergency care standards
Mr. Saghir Siddiqui, Regional COO, KMC Hospital, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Circle, Mangalore, emphasised the broader implications:
“Choking is a common emergency in children, and timely intervention is critical. This case reflects our emergency team’s skill and readiness. We hope it reassures the Kakkinje community that our centre is equipped to handle critical situations.”
Parents express gratitude
The boy’s parents thanked the medical staff, stating:
“We are deeply grateful for the doctors’ quick action. It was a frightening experience, but they saved our child’s life.”
About Manipal Hospitals
Manipal Hospitals is a leading healthcare provider in India, serving over 7 million patients annually across 37 hospitals in 19 cities, with 10,500+ beds and 5,600+ doctors. It is NABH and AAHRPP accredited, with most hospitals also NABL and ER certified.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the importance of accessible emergency care in rural areas and the life-saving role played by experienced medical teams during critical emergencies.