Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: What are doctors at AIIMS Rishikesh gearing up for?

“We will know more when we see them but we are prepared for everything,” she said, adding that the workers will be kept under observation for at least 48 hours at the hospital to check for post-traumatic stress and provide support. “They are likely to feel better once they meet their families,” Dr Singh added.

What are the likely health issues the trapped workers can develop?

The first concern will be nutrition. Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant of internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, said while supplies of food had been provided on an emergency basis, the long duration of being holed up meant they would have to be checked for nutritional deficiencies.

Agreeing, Dr Atul Gogia, senior consultant of internal medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, said: “There is the physical aspect — exhaustion and fatigue from being stuck within the tunnel, dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. Remaining in close quarters, in an enclosed place also increases the risk of infections.”

Dr Gogia also said they have to be checked for any existing health conditions. “While most of the workers are young, they might still have had conditions such as asthma, hypertension and diabetes. And they did not have access to all their medicines within the tunnel. Their parameters would have to be checked when they are out,” he said.

Why does mental health need to be tracked?

However, it is the mental health profile that doctors worry about. They are likely to face anxiety, depression, disorientation, confusion and post-traumatic stress disorder after they come out of the tunnel. The prolonged isolation may lead to depressive symptoms like a feeling of persistent sadness, and a loss of interest in daily activities with a profound sense of helplessness, hopelessness and despair. There could be physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal issues, and changes in appetite.

What is the immediate medical care they would require?

While the government is trying to provide oxygen and nutrition, they need to be shifted for complete medical check-up at a healthcare centre after they are rescued. They need to be given medical help from psychologists and doctors along with food, fruits, medicines, antidepressants and multivitamins. “They would also need immediate psychological support, with follow-up evaluation on whether long term care is needed,” said Dr Gogia.