Odisha Hospital Fire: Three NGO Volunteers Heroically Rescue ICU Patients
In a courageous late-night effort, three volunteers from the NGO Sahay played a pivotal role in rescuing patients from a fire that broke out in the Trauma Care ICU of a hospital in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, around 2:40 am, prompting immediate action from the volunteers who were on duty at the time.
Volunteers Spring into Action Amid Thick Smoke
The volunteers, identified as Sudhir Kumar Mallick (35) from Cuttack, Chandan Munda (22) from Keonjhar district, and Sritam Rout (24) from Cuttack, were deployed at the Trauma Care ICU on Sunday night. Upon receiving an urgent call from hospital staff about the fire, they rushed to the first floor where the ICU was located. Inside, they encountered heavy smoke that severely limited visibility and made breathing difficult.
With the assistance of nursing officers and other hospital attendants, the trio began evacuating patients from the ICU. They managed to rescue approximately seven individuals, demonstrating remarkable bravery under hazardous conditions. However, the rescue operation was not without personal risk; all three volunteers sustained injuries during the process.
Challenges Faced During the Rescue Operation
Sudhir Kumar Mallick described the intense situation, stating that after shifting three patients, he could not re-enter the ICU for a fourth due to the overwhelming smoke. "The smoke was so thick that we could not inhale properly inside the ICU. I felt suffocated and had to stay outside," he recounted. The volunteers struggled to navigate the area, with visibility nearly zero because of the dense fumes.
Chandan Munda noted that the entire rescue effort took over an hour to complete. After evacuating the patients, they were transferred to other ICU facilities nearby. "Police and fire services personnel also assisted us in the work," he added, highlighting the collaborative nature of the emergency response.
Volunteers Hospitalized After Rescue Efforts
Sritam Rout, who became unconscious from asphyxiation while moving patients, fell ill towards the end of the rescue mission. "We three tried to rescue seven patients from the ICU, but we could not see clearly due to the heavy smoke," he explained. Following the incident, all three volunteers were admitted to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, they were discharged after a few hours once their condition stabilized.
The NGO Sahay, which is engaged by the hospital to support patients and their families, has been commended for its volunteers' quick thinking and selfless actions. This incident underscores the critical role that community-based organizations can play in emergency situations, often stepping in to complement official rescue services.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, the bravery of these volunteers serves as a reminder of the human spirit's resilience in the face of danger. Their efforts not only saved lives but also highlighted the importance of preparedness and teamwork in healthcare settings.
