In a unique and critical case, doctors at Ispat General Hospital (IGH) of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) successfully saved the life of a 9-year-old boy of Rourkela, who was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in an unconscious state because of suicidal hanging.
On examination, ligature marks were observed on the child’s neck. He was immediately intubated and administered emergency medical care in the PICU under the supervision of Dr. Jayant Kumar Acharya, CMO In-charge, Dr. Archana Behera, Dr. Maya Bose, Dr. Poonam Ekka, Dr. Bibekanand Singh, and the team of DNB residents. The anesthesia team headed by Dr. B. K. Naik also played a vital role in the management. Through prompt and coordinated multidisciplinary efforts, the patient’s neurological condition gradually improved. He was later successfully extubated, treated, provided psychological counselling, and discharged in a stable state.
This case underscores the critical importance of early and skilled resuscitation, coupled with the availability of round-the-clock pediatric critical care facilities at IGH.
While suicidal tendencies have traditionally been associated with adolescents, recent trends indicate a disturbing rise in such behaviours among pre-adolescent children. Experts attribute this to multiple factors including increased exposure to mobile phones and social media, cyber-bullying, unsupervised access to inappropriate online content, and psychological stress resulting from peer comparison.
The case highlights the urgent need for stronger parental supervision, digital literacy, and the integration of school-based mental health programmes to nurture emotional resilience and well-being among children from an early age.
The successful recovery of the young patient once again reflects IGH’s prompt response, multidisciplinary teamwork, and strong commitment to high-quality pediatric critical care—bringing hope and saving lives even in the most sensitive cases.
