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.