Kochi: A week after fighting for her life, 2-year-old Elisheba Maria is smiling again—thanks to the quick thinking and timely intervention of two healthcare workers.

When palliative care nurse Sindhu held the toddler once again, she recalled the terrifying moment just days earlier when the child had been convulsing in her arms, on the brink of death. Unaware of the ordeal she had survived, little Elisheba smiled happily at the nurse.

The dramatic rescue took place last week on Polio Day at the Vennala Family Health Centre. Nurse Sindhu and junior public health nurse Ashikha were at the health centre when a pregnant woman rushed in carrying her daughter, who was suffering a prolonged seizure.

Sindhu immediately laid the child on a table, turned her to one side, and tried to clear her airway. But the toddler's condition had worsened as the seizure had continued for some time. The child was later identified as Elisheba Maria, daughter of Kripa Maria and VP Aisen, who live in a rented house in Vennala.

Realising there was no time to lose, Sindhu ran outside carrying the child, flagged down a passing car, and rushed to a nearby private hospital along with the child's mother and nurse Ashikha. During the journey, Sindhu and Ashikha continued first-aid measures, helping clear the child's airway and support her breathing. Doctors at the hospital provided emergency treatment and managed to save her life.

A few days later, Sindhu visited Elisheba, who had made a remarkable recovery.

Sindhu has been working in palliative care for 14 years and has served at Chalikkavattom and Vennala Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) for the past four years. Ashikha recently joined the Vennala UPHC.

The two nurses were honoured at a function held at the health centre. They were felicitated by A.N. Sajeevan, president of the 'Vyttila Njangalundu Koode' Palliative Care Charitable Society, and Medical Officer Dr. Jency Justin. Palliative care secretary Mary Sophia, volunteer Rose Mary Stanley, staff nurses, and others attended the event.