Using razor, straw and phone lights, Kerala doctors attempt roadside surgery on crash victim

Recalling the incident, Dr Manoop said Linu was a “red category” patient. “An immediate health care facility was not available. His airway was blocked and breathing had become shallow. A jaw thrust manoeuvre did not succeed,” he said.

Left with no option, the doctors performed a cricothyrotomy — an emergency procedure to secure an airway — using a razor fetched from a nearby shop. After locating the membrane in the neck, they inserted a drinking straw to create an alternate airway.

“It was a desperate attempt to save a critically injured life. Initially, we got only a paper straw, but the police managed to bring a plastic straw. Soon he was shifted to a hospital by ambulance,” Dr Manoop said.

Dr Manoop was travelling from Kochi to Kottayam, while the doctor couple, both from the critical care department, were returning home after duty. “I reached the spot first. I recognised them as doctors only when they joined the rescue mission,” he said.

He added that the procedure, performed under mobile phone flashlights, was possible only because of the cooperation of the crowd. “We asked them not to take photos or record videos, and they agreed,” he said.

Despite their best efforts, the victim died Monday.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar led a chorus of praise for the doctors. A Raj Bhavan release said the Governor personally spoke to them and lauded their efforts.

“Such a humanitarian gesture embodies the highest ethics of the medical profession and is to be emulated by all,” the release said, adding that the Governor invited the doctors to the Lok Bhavan.