Ravindran Nair, a 59-year-old man from Kerala, India, recently experienced a harrowing ordeal when he became stuck in a hospital lift for 42 hours without food or water. His journey into the lift began innocently on a Saturday afternoon, intending to meet with a doctor at the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram. However, what followed was a nightmare that shook him to the core.
Mr. Nair recounted his experience to the BBC, describing how he initially attempted to reach out for help by using the emergency number inside the lift, but received no response. His subsequent efforts to contact his wife and others were also in vain due to poor phone connectivity. As panic set in, he resorted to banging on the lift doors and shouting for help, but with no avail. The darkness inside the confined space added to his distress, although he was thankful for enough air to breathe.
Throughout his ordeal, Mr. Nair alternated between frantic attempts to attract attention and moments of exhaustion where he had to rest. I had no idea whether it was day or night, he recalled, I used a corner to relieve myself when necessary. His thoughts oscillated between fear of death and clinging to hope that someone would eventually discover him.
The incident sparked widespread concern and prompted the state government to take action, suspending three technicians and launching an investigation into the incident. Officials and the hospital administration expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging the lapses in emergency response protocols.
Mr. Nair's rescue finally came on Monday morning when a lift operator, conducting routine checks, discovered him. The relief was palpable as he reunited with his family, who had been searching desperately for him after realizing he was missing. Despite being treated for dehydration and back pain, Mr. Nair expressed gratitude for surviving the traumatic experience.
In response to the incident, the hospital management has placed a notice advising against the use of the lift until repairs are completed. This precautionary measure aims to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of hospital visitors and staff.
Mr. Nair's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of robust safety measures and emergency preparedness in public facilities. It underscores the need for stringent adherence to safety protocols to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The incident has also sparked discussions on improving infrastructure maintenance and enhancing emergency response mechanisms across public institutions in India.
As Mr. Nair continues his recovery, his experience resonates with many, highlighting the vulnerability individuals face in unexpected situations and the resilience needed to endure such trials. His survival against the odds is a testament to human determination and the power of hope in the face of adversity.
