Siachen Survivor Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad's Latest Health Update: Army Hospital Releases Medical Bulletin

Siachen Survivor Lance Naik Hanamanthappa

New Delhi, 09 February 2016                                           

"L/Nk Hanamanthappa K of 19 MADRAS, was buried under 35 ft of ice and snow at 20500 ft for five days since the avalanche at Siachen on 03 Feb 16.  He was rescued from the site on 08 Feb 16.  On recovery, he was found to be conscious but drowsy and disoriented.  He was severely dehydrated, hypothermic, hypoxic, hypoglycemic and in shock.  He was immediately resuscitated by the doctors at the site, who had been there for the past five days in the hope of a survivor.

He was treated with warm intravenous fluids, humidified warm oxygen and passive external rewarming.  He was flown out from the site on 09 Feb 16 by helicopter along with a Medical Specialist to the Siachen base camp, from where he was brought to the Thois air base.  He was then transferred to Delhi by a fixed wing aircraft of the IAF along with a Critical Care Specialist of the IAF and Medical Specialist from the Siachen Base Camp.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Army Chief
General Dalbir Singh at Army R&R Hospital in New Delhi

He is currently comatose and continues to be in shock with low blood pressure.  He has pneumonia and his investigations have revealed liver and kidney dysfunction.  Fortunately there was no cold exposure related frost bite or bony injuries to him.  He is being treated by a team of intensivists, neurologist, nephrologist, endocrinologist and surgeons.  He has been treated with fluids, drugs to bring up his blood pressure and antibiotics.  He has been placed on a ventilator to protect his airway and lungs in view of his comatose state.  He remains extremely critical and is expected to have a stormy course in the next 24 to 48 hrs due to the complications caused by re warming and establishment of blood flow to the cold parts of the body”.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and General Dalbir Singh, COAS visited Army Hospital Research and Referral (R&R) and commended the brave heart for his indomitable mental robustness and his refusal to give in to harsh elements of nature.

"No words are enough to describe the endurance & indomitable spirit of Lance Naik Hanumanthappa. He is an outstanding soldier. Team of doctors is attending to lance Naik Hanumanthappa. We are all hoping and praying for th best", said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his statement.

Army Chief also conveyed best wishes on behalf of all ranks of the Army for his early and complete recovery.

Also Read: Siachen Soldier Miraculously Survived For 6 Days Buried Under Tonnes Of Ice