A Second Chance at Life: Fortis Medical Team Saves 26-Year-Old Young Runner at 25K Kolkata Marathon 

A Second Chance at Life: Fortis Medical Team Saves 26-Year-Old Young Runner at 25K Kolkata Marathon 

 Kolkata, February 2025: Fortis Hospital Anandapur turned a moment of crisis into a story of hope and recovery at a recent marathon held at Kolkata. A 26-year-old runner who had collapsed at the finish line after completing the grueling 25-kilometer race was successfully revived. His heart had stopped, but thanks to the swift and expert intervention by the Fortis emergency team, his life was saved. 

 The runner completed the 25K race in less than three hours but collapsed at the finish line. Spotters found him unresponsive, with no signs of life; his heart had stopped, and he was not breathing. He was brought to the Fortis medical base camp, a fully equipped and professionally staffed on-site emergency setup around 9:30 a.m. When the medical team received him, his skin was pale blue, and he showed no signs of life. Despite this, the doctors did not lose hope. Without wasting a moment, the team initiated CPR (chest compressions and artificial breathing), ventilator support, defibrillation (electric shock), and administered life-saving medications to revive his heart. After 20 minutes of tireless effort, Fortis medical team successfully restored his heartbeat. It took another hour to stabilize him before transferring him to Fortis Hospital Anandapur for further care and rehabilitation 

 The Medical Team searched for the runner’s family or friends to inform them that he had suffered a cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, the patient had no family or friends present at the marathon. He had arrived alone on his bike to participate in the race. By the night of the incident, the patient regained consciousness but suffered from short-term memory loss due to less oxygen supply to the brain. With care and medications, within two days, he made a full recovery and was discharged, ready to return to his daily life.  

Dr. Sanjukta Dutta, Consultant and Emergency Head at Fortis Hospital Anandapur, emphasized the significance of immediate medical intervention in such critical moments. She stated, “Quick action, teamwork, and expert care turned a near- tragedy into a triumph at the TSK25K marathon! Statistics show that cardiac arrest survival rates during marathons are very rare in India, where most victims either don’t survive or suffer from neurological damages. Saving this runner’s life and ensuring he remained neurologically intact is a remarkable testament to the power of immediate medical action, teamwork, and a well-equipped emergency medical team. Bringing this runner back from the brink of death to life was no less than a miracle.” 

 Dr. Dutta further elaborates, “This event highlights the critical importance of having skilled emergency care at large scale events and serves as a reminder for runners to train smart, monitor their health, and prepare adequately. Let’s make fitness a celebration of life, not a risk to it.” 

 This incident serves as a wake-up call about the importance of understanding one’s physical limits before engaging in strenuous activities like marathons. Dr. Shuvanan Ray, Director, Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Anandapur, Kolkata highlighted, “This case is a stark reminder that cardiac emergencies can occur even in young, seemingly healthy individuals. Comprehensive health checks and consultations with medical professionals are crucial for those planning to take part in high-endurance events. It is essential to practice adequately before participating in a marathon and ensure you are physically and physiologically prepared for the run. Runners should not push themselves beyond their limits and must not hesitate to seek medical attention if needed.” 

 This was a life-changing event for the 26-year-old runner. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “I ran the TSK 10 km marathon twice, in 2022 and 2023, finishing effortlessly both times with a medal. This year, I aimed for the 25 km marathon. Unfortunately, on the day of the event, I got delayed in reaching the venue I drove to the starting point, but the regular roads were blocked due to the marathon. Despite the hurdles, I managed to reach the venue and park my bike. Without wasting any time, I started running on the TSK 25 km track. I made it to the finish line, but after that, everything went blank. The next thing I remember is waking up on an emergency bed at Fortis Hospital, struggling with memory and recall. It was the Fortis medical team that informed me about what had happened. That incident changed my life completely. I’m deeply grateful to the Fortis Emergency team for giving me a second chance at life.” 

 Mr. Ashish Mukerjee, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Anandapur, Kolkata added, “Our role as the health partner for the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata Marathon underscores our commitment to participant safety and well-being. This incident demonstrates the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies at large-scale events. We urge everyone to prioritize their health, recognize their physical limits, and not wait for a crisis to act. We are immensely proud of our team’s quick response and expertise in managing such a critical situation.” 

 Fortis Hospital Anandapur remains at the forefront of delivering advanced healthcare and raising awareness about heart health. This life-saving intervention during the marathon exemplifies the hospital’s dedication to handling medical emergencies with precision and care.