Doctor revives old man ‘in 5 minutes’ at Delhi airport by performing CPR; here’s a step-by-step guide everyone should know

In a dramatic turn of events at Delhi airport’s Terminal 2 on Wednesday, a quick-thinking doctor saved the life of an elderly man through the timely administration of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). 

This incident was captured on video and has gone viral on social media. The doctor can be seen jumping into action quickly after the man fainted and reportedly lost his pulse after suffering a heart attack. After performing CPR on him consistently for some time, the man regains his pulse.

The video, shared on ‘X’ by Rishi Bagree, reads, “Today at T2 Delhi Airport, a gentleman in his late 60s had a heart attack in the food court area. This lady doctor revived him in 5 mins. Super proud of Indian doctors. Please share this so that she can be acknowledged.”

Today at T2 Delhi Airport, a gentleman in his late 60s had a heart attack in the food court area.

This lady Doctor revived him in 5 mins.

Super proud of Indian doctors.

Please share this so that she can be acknowledged. pic.twitter.com/pLXBMbWIV4

— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) July 17, 2024

After the man wakes up and seems conscious of his surroundings, the doctor motivates him and tells him to “take deep breaths,” while continuing to pump his chest. She then requests onlookers to call the airport staff as it was an emergency. This incident highlights the importance of CPR knowledge and its potential to save lives in emergencies.

While many of us have heard of CPR, few truly understand its significance, proper application, and the crucial time factors involved. Dr sheds light on these vital aspects of CPR, drawing insights from medical experts to help readers better comprehend this life-saving technique and its particular considerations when applied to older individuals.

Dr Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, MBBS, MD general medicine, consultant physician, Bengaluru, says, “CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is like a manual override for your heart when it decides to take an unexpected break. It’s a combination of chest compressions (think of it as giving your heart a little push-start) and rescue breaths (providing oxygen to the lungs) that can be the difference between life and death during a cardiac arrest.

So, when should you jump into action?

According to Dr Reddy, if someone “collapses and is unresponsive, not breathing or only gasping, and has no pulse, it’s time for CPR.” These are the classic signs of cardiac arrest, a life-threatening emergency where the heart stops pumping blood effectively.

Timing is everything with CPR, he says. “The first few minutes after cardiac arrest are crucial, often referred to as the ‘golden window’. The faster you start CPR, the higher the chances of survival. Research shows that for every minute you delay CPR, the chances of survival decrease significantly — by a whopping 7-10%. It’s like a race against time, and every second counts.”

For how long should you perform CPR?

Dr Reddy asserts, “The short answer is — as long as you can, or until help arrives.” Ideally, you should continue CPR until:

The pros take over: Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel arrive on the scene and take over with advanced life support measures.

The person shows signs of life: This could mean they start moving, breathing normally, or regain a pulse.

You’re physically exhausted: If you’re alone and can’t continue, it’s okay to stop. Don’t risk your own safety.

“Remember, there’s no magical time limit for CPR. Your goal is to keep blood flowing and oxygen circulating until the pros arrive or the person recovers,” he says.

CPR 101: Your step-by-step guide provided by Dr Reddy

CPR in public spaces: Don’t be a bystander!

Dr Reddy says, “Don’t let fear of doing it wrong stop you. Even hands-only CPR (without rescue breaths) can double or triple the chances of survival.” Here’s what to remember:

Be Confident: Your actions could save a life.

Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask bystanders for help with calling for emergency services or taking turns giving compressions.

Look for an AED: If available, use an automated external defibrillator (AED). These devices can analyse the heart rhythm and deliver a shock if needed. They’re designed to be user-friendly, even for those without training.

Timing is everything with CPR (Source: Freepik)

Performing CPR on elderly individuals

Elderly individuals may have more fragile bones, Dr Reddy notes, so it’s important to be mindful of potential rib fractures during CPR, no matter how long the duration. “However, the risk of not doing CPR is far greater than the risk of injury.” To minimise the risk of injury:

Adjust Compression Depth: Aim for a compression depth of 2 inches, but be mindful of using excessive force.

Use Your Body Weight: Lean over the person and use your body weight to compress the chest, rather than relying solely on arm strength.

Proper Hand Placement: Make sure your hands are in the correct position to avoid compressing the lower ribs, which are more fragile.

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