Dr. Kataria’s Laughter Yoga Diary

Most of the time I only talk about life changing experiences but on November 7th, 2007 I actually had a life saving experience with an elderly lady who suddenly collapsed in front of my eyes.

That day Madhuri reminded me several times that we were to go for a house warming party. Though tired I thought it would be a great break from work. About 200 people were gathered at the party all singing clapping and dancing. Just 5 minutes before dinner, the mother of the host Mrs. Raj Khanna collapsed and everyone yelled out at me for help. On examining her it seemed she had a cardiac arrest. There was no pulse, no breathing and no heart beat. Another doctor present thought she was almost dead and suggested she be rushed to the hospital. But I jumped in and started giving her cardiac massage and mouth to mouth respiration because there was no point in taking her to the hospital as there was no heart beat and respiration. Madhuri kept on inspiring me to continue with CPR.
There was chaos and confusion and most people were requested to leave for dinner. Meanwhile, I kept pumping her chest and giving her mouth to mouth respiration for nearly five minutes when all at once she started breathing and her heart beat came back. After her miraculous revival, we rushed her to the hospital for further medical treatment and investigation. It was discovered that the reason for her cardiac arrest was very high levels of potassium in the blood due to chronic kidney failure.

After two days she was discharged and I went to see her. The whole family was so grateful and blessed me for my heroic endeavour. It has become the talk of the town and I was honored in a public gathering for saving her life.

This is the third time in the history of my medical career I revived someone from cardiac arrest. I feel good and it was humbling experience. I’m glad I haven’t forgotten my medical skills even though I’m not practicing medicine regularly.