• 72-year-old man revived after heart stopped for 8 minutes at Yatharth Hospital
• Timely CPR during the “Golden Period” and rapid medical response proved lifesaving
Model Town, New Delhi: In any medical emergency, the first few minutes—commonly known as the “golden period”—are considered the most critical in determining a patient’s survival. In a remarkable case at Yatharth Hospital, timely CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and swift emergency treatment helped save the life of a 72-year-old man whose heartbeat had stopped for nearly eight minutes.
The elderly patient, who was suffering from asthma, suddenly developed severe breathing difficulty. His family initially took him to a nearby clinic where he was given oxygen support and nebulization, but his condition continued to deteriorate. As the situation became critical, the patient’s son immediately contacted the emergency team at Yatharth Hospital, Model Town, and rushed him to the hospital.
By the time the patient arrived, he had stopped breathing and his heartbeat had ceased. There was no detectable pulse, and his oxygen levels had dropped dangerously low. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, an 11-member medical team led by Dr. Anil Gomber, Senior Director – Internal Medicine & Diabetologist at Yatharth Hospital, immediately initiated CPR and advanced life support without losing precious time. After nearly four hours of continuous emergency management, monitoring, and intensive efforts, the doctors succeeded in stabilizing the patient.
According to doctors, the first few minutes after a cardiac arrest are referred to as the “golden period.” Immediate CPR during this time helps maintain blood and oxygen flow to the brain and other vital organs, significantly increasing the chances of survival. In this case, timely hospital arrival, prompt CPR, and the rapid response of the expert medical team played the most crucial role in saving the patient’s life.
Dr. Anil Gomber said, “When the patient reached the hospital, there was no pulse and his condition was extremely critical. According to the family, he had not been breathing and had no detectable pulse for nearly 7–8 minutes. Our team immediately started CPR and advanced life support. In such cases, the initial few minutes—the ‘golden period’—are extremely important. CPR administered at the right time can play a decisive role in saving a patient’s life. Through teamwork, rapid medical response, and continuous monitoring, we were able to bring the patient to a safe recovery.”
Following treatment, the patient remained on ventilator support for nearly two-and-a-half days. Gradually, his condition improved and he was later shifted to a private room. He has now fully recovered and is recuperating at home with normal oxygen levels.
The patient’s son shared that his father first showed symptoms around 3:00 a.m., and by 8:00 a.m. he complained of severe breathing discomfort. They initially took him to a nearby hospital, but his condition could not be controlled. “We immediately left for Yatharth Hospital, but on the way, my father stopped breathing. When we reached the hospital and saw his condition, we had almost lost hope because there was no pulse and he was not breathing. However, due to the relentless efforts of the doctors and medical team, my father is healthy today,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the doctors and hospital staff, the family credited the hospital’s quick emergency response, strong critical care system, and prompt medical intervention for giving the patient a second chance at life. They also appealed to the public to understand the importance of CPR and the “golden period,” emphasizing that a timely and correct action during emergencies can save lives.
