Kolkata, Aug 04: In an inspiring act of courage, compassion and clinical presence of mind, a Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) nurse from Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, became a lifesaver for a taxi driver during a late-night roadside emergency, exemplifying the true spirit of nursing beyond the hospital walls.
Ruchita Dutta, a Critical Care Nurse at Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, had taken a late-night flight from Mumbai after attending ANEICON 2026 (National conference hosted by the Association of Nurse Executives India (ANEI). Upon her arrival post-midnight at Kolkata, she hailed a taxi from Kolkata airport and on her ride back home, this alarming incident occurred. As the vehicle approached the Baguihati flyover, the taxi’s brakes failed suddenly causing the driver to panic. Remaining calm under pressure, Ruchita guided him to engage the handbrake, helping bring the vehicle to a safe halt and averting what could have been a serious accident.
Her courage, however, was only the beginning. What followed truly reflected her dedication and clinical acumen as a healthcare professional. Ruchita noticed that the driver was sweating profusely, appeared visibly fatigued, and appeared weak. Drawing on her clinical training, she immediately recognised these as symptoms of low blood sugar levels and acted without delay. In the absence of any medical equipment, she applied her clinical expertise and gave him water mixed with sugar and food that she had carried back from her flight. Within minutes, the driver began to recover reinforcing her suspicion of hypoglycemia. The driver then revealed that he had not eaten all day as he had been driving continuously to support his family.
Situations and hardships drive people to make extraordinary choices, sometimes at the expense of their health. The 28-year-old driver had been putting in extra hours behind the wheel to support his family and fund his father's recovery following a cardiac arrest. Having gone without food for the entire day, he had unknowingly placed his own health at serious risk. Although he showed signs of improvement, Ruchita demonstrated responsibility and compassion, and ensured his safety was not compromised. Despite the vehicle's failed brakes, and with no immediate help available owing to the late hour, she carefully drove the car to a nearby petrol pump and informed the Security Supervisor and Manager on Duty about the incident. She then called a mechanic and stayed with the driver until help arrived. After ensuring that the situation was under control and the driver was safe, Ruchita reached out to Fortis Hospital, Anandapur to arrange transportation for her journey back home.
Sharing her experience, Ruchita Dutta, Critical Care Nurse, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, said, “While returning home late from a conference, I noticed the driver sweating and weak; learning he had fasted all day to support his family, my nursing instincts immediately suspected low blood sugar. Despite lacking equipment, I gave him sugar water, and his rapid recovery confirmed my suspicion and ensured his safety. Ultimately, it proved that staying calm, assessing a situation, and stepping forward with compassion and presence of mind can truly make a life-saving difference.”
Mr. Ashish Mukherjee, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Anandapur, said, “This incident truly reflects the dedication, preparedness, and compassion that define nursing excellence at Fortis. Ms. Ruchita’s quick actions demonstrate not only her clinical acumen but also a profound commitment to care beyond hospital walls. Healthcare should most certainly be driven by empathy and courage. We are immensely proud of Ms. Ruchita for her exceptional presence of mind, embodying the true, life-saving spirit of nursing wherever duty calls.”
