Tamil Nadu: Major Kavitha Vasupalli leads daring rescue of tourist from 150-Foot Gorge

The incident took place on March 21, when a young man fell into a gorge near the Soojimalai Viewpoint at around 2 pm while attempting to take a selfie. After prolonged but unsuccessful efforts by the Fire and Rescue Services, the operation was handed over to the Army at around 7 pm. The doctor, assisted by two other females, completed the rescue mission.  

According to Onmanorama, a team from the Madras Regiment based in Coonoor, along with medical personnel, including Major Kavitha, was deployed for the mission. Reaching the site at about 11.30 pm, she led the effort that continued for nearly 14 hours before the victim was safely brought out of the gorge. A trained mountaineer, Major Kavitha drew upon her experience in climbing and previous encounters with danger, including in the Brahmaputra River, which gave her the confidence to undertake the risky descent without hesitation.

It took two hours to travel from Coonoor to Gudalur, and the team reached the Soojimalai Viewpoint by around 9.30 pm after a significantly challenging descent. A member of the medical team had reached the victim first by going down to offer treatment to the person trapped in the gorge at the earliest. Considering the risk, there have been serious deliberations regarding who should be the first one to attempt the task, and finally, Dr. Kavitha volunteered, prioritising the patient’s health without hesitation. There was a risk of losing balance on the dry leaves or rocks, and falling into the deep gorge below or being attacked by wild animals. Almost a year ago, another incident also claimed the life of a Malayali youth at this location, who passed away after being stung by a swarm of wasps, reports The Daily.

However, the doctor remained resolute because she feared that after falling from such a height, the patient might not be able to move any part of his body or might have lost his consciousness. Providing immediate fast aid to him was the priority of the doctor at the time, which gave her the courage to go down amidst all the danger. At approximately 11:30 pm, Major Kavitha could detect the victim, who was lying immobile and without a detectable pulse. He had fallen into the gorge earlier in the day, and as night progressed, the intense cold further aggravated his condition. Inadequately dressed for the weather, his blood pressure had dropped significantly, and with multiple injuries, he faced a serious threat of hypothermia, making the situation critical.

According to the Daily, acting swiftly, Kavitha provided immediate medical attention, after which his pulse gradually began to stabilise. Considering the extent of his injuries, it was essential to avoid unnecessary movement, requiring a cautious transfer onto a stretcher. As he was positioned on a slope, this process proved particularly challenging.

Once his vitals improved and his condition was steadied, he was carefully secured and lifted. By around 4 am, the rescue team successfully brought him to the top of the hill. This was not her first rescue mission; in Arunachal Pradesh, she was instrumental in rescuing a person who had fallen unconscious during a mountaineering expedition at Gorichen. She was honoured with the Vishisht Seva Medal from the Indian Army for her bravery. She is also a world record holder in Brahmaputra river rafting.