SANTA CLARA (Diya TV) — In a life-altering incident, Atul Rao, a 21-year-old US student, faced six heart stoppages in a single day due to blood clots in his lungs. The experience profoundly changed his perspective, igniting a newfound determination to pursue a career in medicine.
On the fateful day of July 27th, while Atul was in London pursuing a pre-medical degree, his heart went into cardiac arrest, triggered by obstructive blood clots in his lungs. His heart stopped a total of six times, with each revival being attributed to the life-saving effects of clot-dissolving medications.
Before this harrowing ordeal, Atul had contemplated whether medicine was the right path for him, even considering a venture into the world of business. However, upon regaining consciousness, he found clarity. Atul expressed, “I want to use my time in a productive way. I want to use my second chance at life by helping others.”
Following his recovery, Atul and his parents took the opportunity to visit the medical professionals who had played a pivotal role in saving his life. Their journey led them to Hammersmith Hospital, where Atul initially received treatment before being transferred to St Thomas’ Hospital.
At the hospital, they were shown the very bed where Atul’s heart had been repeatedly restarted, and they engaged in heartfelt discussions with the clinicians who had managed his case. Atul’s mother, Srividhya, a mathematics professor from Seattle, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I feel blessed to be here, and I’m so thankful and grateful to you for giving my son back to me.”
Atul’s father, Ajay, who works at a software company, recounted the emotional moment when London Ambulance Service’s advanced paramedic, Nick Sillett, conveyed the news of his son’s condition to him via Atul’s mobile phone. Despite the uncertainty, he journeyed to London, anxiously awaiting updates that would determine his son’s fate.
Fortunately, Atul’s condition improved, and he was able to speak with his father from St Thomas’ Hospital ICU, marking a heartwarming reunion. Nick Sillett, the paramedic, reflected on the emotional journey, saying, “To meet him again and speak with his parents after giving them such terrible news was a very special moment in my 18 years in this job.”
Atul’s remarkable recovery, coupled with his newfound sense of purpose, coincided with his 21st birthday. Rather than indulging in typical celebrations, he cherishes every moment, grateful for the love and support of his family and the second chance at life that has set him on a path to serve others through the practice of medicine.
