In a remarkable display of coordination and commitment, an Indian Army medical team successfully conducted a critical evacuation of an injured soldier from the Golan Heights, Israel, amidst an uncertain and challenging environment. The mission, led by Lt Col Anuj Singh, involved the seamless collaboration of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and other agencies, culminating in the safe return of the soldier to India.
The injured soldier, Havildar Suresh R, a 33-year-old male, was serving under the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) when he sustained severe head injuries, including a subarachnoid hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury, and left-sided hemiparesis. Initially admitted to Rambam Hospital in Haifa, Israel, on 22 August 2024, he spent nearly a month under intensive care before being shifted to a Level 1 hospital on the Israeli side of the conflict zone on 20 September 2024. At the time of evacuation, he was disoriented, with limited awareness of time, place, or person.
Recognizing the need for immediate medical evacuation, the Critical Care Air Evacuation Medical Team, led by Lt Col Anuj Singh and two paramedics from Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt, orchestrated a high-stakes mission to bring Havildar Suresh back to India. The team provided advanced critical care support throughout the operation, ensuring the patient’s stable condition during the long journey.
The air ambulance, a C-130 aircraft, departed from Tel Aviv at 01:20 AM (IST) and reached Jamnagar at 10:00 AM (IST). From there, the soldier was airlifted to Palam, New Delhi, arriving at 2:00 PM. He was subsequently transferred to Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in New Delhi by 3:00 PM, where he will continue receiving specialized care.
At present, Havildar Suresh's condition has shown signs of improvement. His vitals are stable, with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 10/15, and his body movements are smoother and more controlled. He is maintaining over 98% oxygen saturation on room air.
This complex and high-risk operation underscores the unwavering dedication of the Indian Armed Forces, particularly the Army Medical Services, to saving lives even under the most challenging circumstances. The successful rescue of Havildar Suresh stands as a testament to the professionalism and ethos of the Indian military. (PR)