Kuch Mitha Ho Jaye…
Today, in the middle of a busy OPD, something truly heartfelt happened. A young man, not much older than 50, walked in with a small packet of chocolates, his face beaming with a genuine smile. Without any hesitation, he handed it to me and simply said, "Thank you, sir." His words weren’t just words; they came straight from his heart.
Now, I’m not here to extol the health benefits of chocolates, nor has any chocolate company made me their brand ambassador! But what happened today has stayed with me, and I want to share the story that lies behind this sweet moment.
About a month ago, this very man walked into my clinic, visibly distressed. Sweating profusely, clutching his chest, and in real discomfort, he came alone, without any relatives. He had a history of kidney issues, but nothing could have prepared me for what we were about to face.
We quickly assessed his situation. The pain in his chest wasn’t just any ordinary discomfort. We acted fast, pulling up an ECG, though it was not easy to get him to lie down due to his pain. But we managed. As soon as the ECG results were up on the screen, our worst fears were confirmed. The signs pointed to a potential heart attack.
Without wasting a second, we immediately called 108 for an ambulance. In such situations, we can’t take chances — we don’t know how strong the patient is, or how their body will respond in the heat of the moment. Thankfully, this young man had the strength of mind to suspect something was terribly wrong, and he was right.
The ambulance arrived quickly, and with proper instructions, he was transferred to a hospital of his choice. Even without a relative present, the team ensured he was well-guided through the process. After undergoing angiography and angioplasty for a blockage, he is doing well today.
This story is a reflection of the triad that saved his life: Timely diagnosis, proper shifting, and immediate treatment. There’s nothing extraordinary about what we did. It was just a routine case of how medical professionals are trained to act when the situation demands it. But it serves as a vital reminder that the difference between life and death can sometimes be a matter of seconds.
As I reflect on the events that transpired, I wanted to share a few key takeaways that I believe are important for everyone:
1. Do not ignore symptoms: If you feel something is wrong, seek medical help immediately. Time is of the essence.
2. Transfer patients in equipped ambulances only: When available, 108 ambulances are a great resource. They are equipped for emergencies and can save precious time.
3. An ECG may be normal, but don’t ignore the symptoms: Even if an ECG shows normal results, don’t ignore persistent chest pain or discomfort. The heart can be unpredictable, and early intervention matters.
4. Refer to a properly equipped hospital: Whether it’s a government or private hospital, ensure that the facility is equipped to handle emergency cases like this.
5. Time is money (and life): In an emergency, every second counts. Do not waste precious time trying to make decisions on your own. Get help.
6. Visit a qualified primary care physician: They are trained to diagnose and refer patients promptly. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
The man who handed me those chocolates today wasn’t just offering a small gift. He was expressing his deep gratitude for a second chance at life. A moment like this reminds me why I chose this path and why I always strive to do my best. The real reward isn’t in the chocolates; it’s in knowing that we made a difference when it mattered most.
So, to all of you out there: please take care of your health, listen to your body, and never wait too long to seek help. Sometimes, the smallest gestures — like a simple "thank you" — are the most powerful reminders of what we do every day.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and never underestimate the power of timely action.
Proud to be family physicians.
