Itanagar, Oct 18: In an exemplary display of presence of mind and professional skill, Sepoy Sunil (Ambulance Assistant) of 456 Field Hospital saved the life of an eight-month-old infant who suffered respiratory distress while traveling onboard the Rajdhani Express en route to Dibrugarh on October 13.
At around 4.30 pm in the S4 compartment, the infant became unresponsive, triggering panic among passengers. The child’s mother fainted, and the situation turned chaotic. Responding swiftly, Sep (Amb Asst) Sunil, who was returning from leave and happened to be in the same coach, immediately assessed the condition of the child.
Finding the baby without pulse or breathing, he promptly initiated paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using the two-finger chest compression technique along with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. After about two cycles of CPR, the infant regained consciousness and began breathing again, much to the relief of fellow passengers.
Subsequently, the soldier coordinated with the train staff and Railway Police to ensure the infant’s further medical attention at Rangiya station.
His timely and decisive action prevented a fatality in a situation where no immediate medical support was available.
Sep (Amb Asst) Sunil’s quick thinking, calmness under pressure, and professional expertise exemplify the highest traditions of the Indian Army Medical Corps and its ethos of service beyond duty. (PRO Defence)