A patient whose heart stopped for 6 minutes was saved at Al-Qunfudhah General Hospital
Al-Qunfudhah General Hospital recorded a new medical achievement that adds to the record of successes of the health system in the Kingdom, as they were able, thanks to God and then to the urgent intervention, to save the life of a 38-year-old citizen with Down syndrome, after his heart stopped completely and suddenly for six minutes.
The incident unfolded when the patient arrived at the emergency department in critical condition, completely unresponsive. The emergency protocol was immediately activated, and the rapid response team was mobilized. They began treating the patient with exceptional professionalism, employing the latest advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) protocols. Intensive resuscitation efforts continued for six tense minutes until the patient's circulation was restored. An airway was then secured via urgent intubation, and the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit and placed on a ventilator.
Accurate diagnosis and intensive care
After the patient's condition was initially stabilized, the medical team conducted thorough and comprehensive examinations that revealed a blockage in the coronary arteries, which explained the sudden cardiac arrest. Based on this, the cardiology and intensive care specialists developed a precise treatment plan that included intensive, round-the-clock monitoring of vital functions. Over time, the patient's condition gradually improved, allowing the medical team to begin a phased weaning program from the ventilator. The patient eventually regained consciousness and the ability to breathe normally, after which he was transferred to the inpatient ward for further rehabilitation.
The importance of rapid response in critical situations
This case highlights the importance of "golden minutes" in emergency medicine, where immediate and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial in saving lives and reducing the risk of brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation. This achievement reflects the high level of preparedness of the emergency department at Al-Qunfudhah General Hospital and the ability of qualified Saudi staff to handle the most complex and critical cases under time pressure.
Health transformation and Vision 2030
This medical success comes as part of the fruits of Saudi healthcare model , which aims to raise the efficiency of medical services and improve the quality of life, in line with the objectives of the Health Transformation Program and the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The Makkah Health Cluster focuses on enhancing the capabilities of peripheral and general hospitals to provide high-quality specialized care, thus reducing the need for transfer in very urgent cases until the condition stabilizes, which is what happened with this patient who left the hospital in a stable condition to complete the cardiac catheterization procedures at a specialized center.
