Chennai: An Army doctor,
Major Kavitha Vasupalli, carried out a courageous rescue operation in Gudalur by descending into a 150-foot-deep valley to save a tourist who had fallen into a gorge. She is currently posted at the Military Hospital in Wellington.Also Read:Dr Tushar Ambadkar wins top honour in National Geographic India Photography contestThe incident took place on March 21, when a young man fell into a gorge near the
Soojimalai Viewpoint at around 2 pm while attempting to take a selfie. After
prolonged but unsuccessful efforts by the Fire and Rescue Services, the
operation was handed over to the Army at around 7 pm. The doctor, assisted by two other females, completed the rescue mission.
According to Onmanorama, a team from the Madras
Regiment based in Coonoor, along with medical personnel, including Major
Kavitha, was deployed for the mission. Reaching the site at about 11.30 pm, she
led the effort that continued for nearly 14 hours before the victim was safely brought
out of the gorge. A trained mountaineer, Major Kavitha drew upon her experience
in climbing and previous encounters with danger, including in the Brahmaputra
River, which gave her the confidence to undertake the risky descent without
hesitation.
It took two hours to travel
from Coonoor to Gudalur, and the team reached the Soojimalai Viewpoint by around
9.30 pm after a significantly challenging descent. A member of the medical team
had reached the victim first by going down to offer treatment to the person
trapped in the gorge at the earliest. Considering the risk, there have been serious
deliberations regarding who should be the first one to attempt the task, and finally, Dr. Kavitha volunteered, prioritising the patient’s health without hesitation.
There was a risk of losing balance on the dry leaves or rocks, and falling into
the deep gorge below or being attacked by wild animals. Almost a year
ago, another incident also claimed the life of a Malayali youth at this
location, who passed away after being stung by a swarm of wasps, reports The Daily.
However, the doctor remained resolute because she feared that after falling from such a height, the
patient might not be able to move any part of his body or might have lost his
consciousness. Providing immediate fast aid to him was the priority of the
doctor at the time, which gave her the courage to go down amidst all the danger.
At approximately 11:30 pm, Major Kavitha could detect the victim, who was lying
immobile and without a detectable pulse. He had fallen into the gorge earlier
in the day, and as night progressed, the intense cold further aggravated his
condition. Inadequately dressed for the weather, his blood pressure had dropped
significantly, and with multiple injuries, he faced a serious threat of
hypothermia, making the situation critical.Also Read:GMC Anantnag Principal honoured for outstanding service in affordable healthcareAccording to the Daily, acting swiftly, Kavitha provided
immediate medical attention, after which his pulse gradually began to
stabilise. Considering the extent of his injuries, it was essential to avoid
unnecessary movement, requiring a cautious transfer onto a stretcher. As he was
positioned on a slope, this process proved particularly challenging. Once his
vitals improved and his condition was steadied, he was carefully secured and
lifted. By around 4 am, the rescue team successfully brought him to the top of
the hill. This was not her
first rescue mission; in Arunachal Pradesh, she was instrumental in rescuing a
person who had fallen unconscious during a mountaineering expedition at
Gorichen. She was honoured with the Vishisht Seva Medal from the Indian Army for
her bravery. She is also a world record holder in Brahmaputra river
rafting.