By Ms Doli Biswas
In the high-stakes environment of critical care and emergency medicine, nurses are the backbone of patient survival and recovery. While doctors diagnose and prescribe, it is nurses who provide round-the-clock vigilance, rapid interventions, and compassionate care, often making the difference between life and death. In Kolkata, where overcrowded hospitals and rising critical care demands strain resources, nurses at Fortis Hospital, Anandapur exemplify resilience and expertise, ensuring every patient receives timely, evidence-based care.
A 2021 study by the Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine revealed that hospitals in West Bengal with specialized nursing teams reported a 28% reduction in ICU mortality rates. Such data underscores the irreplaceable role of nurses in outcomes.
Emergency Response: Beyond the Frontlines
During emergencies—be it a cardiac arrest, a road accident, or a mass casualty event—nurses are first responders. During the Cyclone Amphan relief efforts, our teams counseled hundreds of displaced families while managing trauma cases—showcasing their dual role as caregivers and community pillars. Similarly, during the COVID-19 Delta wave, our nurses managed many ventilator adjustments and prone positioning protocols in overwhelmed ICUs, adhering to global standards despite limited staffing. Critical care nurses require advanced expertise:
Ventilator Management: Approx more than 60% of Kolkata’s ICU patients require respiratory support. Nurses here are trained in ADRS net protocols to optimize ventilator settings.
Sepsis Detection: A 2022 ICMR report noted that sepsis accounts for 20% of ICU deaths in India. Our nurses follow a “sepsis bundle” protocol, slashing mortality rates by 25% through early antibiotic administration.
Post-Surgical Care: With Fortis Anandapur performing numerous complex surgeries annually, nurses monitor neurological vitals, manage pain, and prevent post-op infections.
The Road Ahead:
Advocacy for better nurse-patient ratios, institutional recognition, and community awareness is critical. Nurses are not just caregivers—they are innovators, educators, and leaders. As Kolkata’s healthcare needs grow, investing in nursing education and well-being is non-negotiable.
In a world where emergencies are inevitable, Kolkata’s nurses remain its silent guardians. Their skill, empathy, and unwavering dedication deserve not just applause but actionable support, because when nurses thrive, patients survive.
(Writer is Chief Nursing Officer at Fortis Hospital Anandapur, Kolkata)