After no heartbeat for 15 minutes, doctors revive pregnant teenager

Prompt action by doctors and nurses at the Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) led to them saving the life of 18-year-old Karishma Mangal of Charity, Essequibo Coast.

Pregnant at the time, Mangal was admitted to the facility on May 10, 2022 after suffering from an eclamptic seizure.

At the time, she was also suffering from severe high blood pressure which may have been responsible for the constant seizures she was experiencing.

Abel Caesar, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, said when the case was presented to him, he knew immediate attention had to be given.

An ultrasound was instantly conducted which revealed that Mangal was 33 weeks pregnant.

Emergency surgery was conducted and she delivered a 2.4 kg baby boy, however, approximately four hours after her cesarean surgery, Mangal had to be rushed into the Intensive Care Unit of the Suddie Public Hospital.

There, the medical team called a “code blue” since Mangal had no heartbeat for approximately 15 minutes. She had suffered a cardiac arrest.

Dr. Caesar said that the team of eight persons then started the resuscitation process and CPR was conducted; after 15 minutes Mangal’s heart started to beat again.

At the time Mangal was unconscious and incubated. This Dr. Caesar said, was a rare case and as such prompt actions were needed.

The team communicated with doctors from the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) and Mangal had to be air dashed to the city for further medical care.

She spent a few days at GPHC and was subsequently discharged.

Now, Mangal and her baby are doing fine. Constant follow-ups are being done.

Mangal’s Mother, Angela Tobin said it was a miracle and thanked the management and staff of the Suddie Public Hospital, especially Dr Caesar.

Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, Dr Sheneer Reid said that the case was rare and the hospital continues to provide quality health care to patients.

Reid said that she would also like to thank the team that helped in the resuscitation process.