Medical Emergency

We were seized with an unprecedented medical emergency this morning as Yusuf Rassiwala had to be rushed to Kokilaben Hospital after losing consciousness and falling to the ground while exercising.

Yusuf Rassiwala (file photo)

We were in the middle of the ‘head rotating’ round when all of a sudden a loud thud disrupted the flow of exercises. Yusuf R lay sprawled on the grass, glassy-eyed, staring skyward. He had fallen like an oak tree, flat on his back.
Within moments a crowd had gathered and water was sprinkled on his face. When he remained unblinking, panic gripped everyone around. Someone checked his pulse and Nahid Khan even lowered her head to his chest to confirm he was still breathing… It was the longest four minutes in the Garden.
The worst was however, not over. For when he came around, Yusuf R wiped his face and smiled, “What happened?” When he was comforted that there was nothing to worry, he sat up looking puzzled, urging us to continue with the exercises. A lozenge was promptly given to him, lest his sugar level had dipped. But when he started repeating himself time and again, it was clear he had turned disoriented. Chances were he had suffered an internal head injury by the impact of the fall.
A spot decision was taken to rush him to hospital (rather than take him home) and save precious time in the event of a brain/ heart stroke. Significantly, Yusuf R was completely oblivious to all that was happening around and maintained he’d rather walk home – this, as Siba Prasad Maitra had already turned up with his car to take him to hospital.
Once Kokilaben admitted him in Emergency, Banoo Apa and Nahid Khan took off to inform the family. (The phone number with us was coming continually ‘switched off’ and Yusuf R was unable to recall any other number.) Before long, his son and daughter-in-law took over and got him discharged from the hospital for further treatment elsewhere.
As per the doctors’ discharge note, the next 24 hours shall be critical for Yusuf R.

Karun Sharma:
This is very serious. It was so comforting that we took him to the hospital. Tried calling him in the evening but phone was not picked up. We must get latest updates about Yusuf Bhai. He is a gem of a person.

Lt Col Angad Singh (rtd):
Rassiwala fell down while exercising. It was nice that he was taken to hospital. His family got him discharged for better treatment. He should be properly examined and treated. I further suggest that the neck circling exercise be done away with. Firstly, human beings don't rotate necks in the normal course. Secondly, rotating the neck may result in swelling and one may lose balance. After some time, it may even cause vertigo. Most of us are senior citizens. Exercising should be commensurate with age and agility. Please discuss this among yourselves and devise exercises suitably.