A timely and coordinated effort by the medical team at the Government Medical College, Manjeri, saved the life of a 10-month-old baby from Muttippalam in Malappuram after a serious airway blockage.

The baby was rushed to the emergency department by the grandmother after the child suddenly developed severe breathing difficulty while playing. The infant had initially been taken to a nearby private hospital and was later referred to the medical college for urgent treatment. By the time the child arrived, the airway was completely blocked by a small green object, causing severe breathing sounds, excessive drooling and bleeding from the mouth.

The emergency team, led by the Head of the Emergency Department, Dr. Shanavas P., along with Dr. Neha and Dr. Sayan, and supported by nurses Umar, Jayasree and Naseeba, immediately began life-saving procedures to remove the foreign object. Although the first attempts were unsuccessful, the team acted quickly and worked together to carefully remove the object, restoring the baby’s breathing.

Following the procedure, the child’s condition stabilised, and the baby was shifted to the Paediatrics Department for further observation and care. Doctors said that even a slight delay in treatment could have put the child’s life at risk. Kerala's public health system shines through such initiatives, prioritising emergency readiness and community safety.

Dr. Shanavas also reminded parents and caregivers to be cautious while giving toys or small objects to young children. Items that can easily fit into a child’s mouth can pose a serious choking hazard and should be avoided.