Toddler survives near-fatal drowning after 10 days in ICU: Doctors share a lifesaving lesson

A toddler who nearly drowned in a Bengaluru residential complex pond recovered after 10 days in intensive care. Doctors said the case underlined the need for constant supervision and rapid emergency treatment.The race against time that saved a toddler's life (Photo: Representational)What started as an ordinary afternoon of play turned into every parent's worst nightmare within minutes. A eight-month-old boy slipped unnoticed into an ornamental pond inside a residential complex in Bengaluru, remaining underwater for several minutes before anyone realised he was missing.By the time he was pulled out and reached a specialised hospital, nearly 45 minutes had passed. He was fighting for his life, with severe oxygen deprivation, respiratory failure and signs of possible brain injury. Doctors feared the worst.But after nearly 10 days of intensive treatment involving paediatric intensivists, neurologists, rehabilitation experts and nurses, the little boy walked out of the hospital with his parents conscious, talking, eating on his own and even walking again.Doctors say the case is not just a story of medical success but also a reminder that drowning is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in young children, and that constant adult supervision can make the difference between life and death.A NORMAL DAY THAT TURNED INTO AN EMERGENCY Two-year-eight-month-old Saugat Regmi had recently moved to Bengaluru from Nepal with his parents, who came to the city in search of better opportunities.His father worked as a security guard at a residential complex, while his mother was employed there as a domestic helper. On the day of the incident, Saugat was playing with other children near an ornamental pond inside the complex. In a matter of moments, he slipped into the stagnant water without anyone noticing.Nearly five minutes passed before the children realised he was missing and alerted nearby adults.He was rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital before being referred to Manipal Hospital Varthur Road. By then, around 45 minutes had passed since the drowning incident.FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFEWhen Saugat arrived at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), he was critically ill.Doctors found that he was suffering from:Severe respiratory failureShock due to poor blood circulationExtremely low oxygen levelsSevere oxygen deprivation affecting the brainHis blood pH had dropped to 6.8, indicating severe acidosis caused by prolonged lack of oxygen—a condition associated with a very high risk of death and permanent brain damage.The medical team immediately placed him on a mechanical ventilator, started medicines to treat shock and continuously monitored his brain activity.Their goal was not only to save his life but also to protect his brain from long-term neurological damage.THE BIGGEST FEAR: BRAIN INJURYOne of the greatest concerns after drowning is hypoxic brain injury, which occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen for several minutes.An MRI scan showed early signs that Saugat's brain had been affected.According to Dr. Nagaraj A. R., Consultant – Neurology at Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, children who remain without adequate oxygen after drowning are at high risk of permanent neurological disability.However, early neurological monitoring, timely treatment and rehabilitation helped Saugat gradually recover his consciousness, feeding ability, movement and normal brain function.Doctors say his case demonstrates how prompt multidisciplinary care can significantly improve outcomes, even in critically ill children.ANOTHER LIFE-THREATENING COMPLICATIONThe challenges did not end after Saugat was revived.Because he had inhaled contaminated pond water, he developed severe aspiration pneumonia—an infection that occurs when water enters the lungs.The infection later progressed to septic shock, a serious condition in which the body's response to infection causes dangerously low blood pressure and organ dysfunction.His treatment had to be intensified with broad-spectrum antibiotics, advanced intensive care and close monitoring.Despite these complications, the coordinated efforts of paediatric intensivists, neurologists, physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists and nursing teams helped him steadily improve.A SLOW BUT REMARKABLE RECOVERYOver the following days, Saugat slowly regained consciousness. He began recognising his parents, accepted feeds, started physiotherapy and gradually regained the ability to sit, stand, walk and speak.After nearly 10 days in intensive care, he was discharged from the hospital. Doctors described his recovery as remarkable considering the severity of his condition when he first arrived.EVERY MINUTE MATTERSDr Anand Patil, Consultant – Paediatrics & NICU at Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, said drowning is a true medical emergency where every minute affects survival and long-term recovery.He explained that when Saugat reached the hospital, he was suffering from severe respiratory failure, shock and profound oxygen deprivation. Immediate intensive care, mechanical ventilation, neuroprotective treatment and continuous neurological monitoring played a crucial role in stabilising him and preventing permanent disability.According to the doctors, early rescue, prompt CPR when needed and rapid transfer to a specialised paediatric critical care centre can dramatically improve survival after drowning.FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE FAMILYThe emotional trauma was accompanied by financial hardship.Saugat's parents are daily-wage workers, and prolonged intensive care treatment was beyond what they could afford.Recognising the family's situation, the Manipal Foundation stepped in with financial assistance, allowing the child to receive uninterrupted treatment without placing an overwhelming financial burden on the family.A SECOND CHANCE AT CHILDHOODFor Saugat and his family, those few minutes under the water could have changed their lives forever.Instead, timely rescue, rapid referral, advanced intensive care and coordinated treatment gave the toddler another chance at a normal childhood.Doctors hope his recovery serves as an important reminder that while modern medicine can achieve remarkable results, preventing drowning through constant supervision and water safety remains the best way to protect young children.- EndsPublished By: Smarica PantPublished On: Jul 31, 2026 14:23 IST