Policeman’s quick response saves pilgrim in Tirumala

The swift reaction of a police constable from Tirumala One Town station saved the life of a 61-year-old devotee who suffered a heart attack while returning from the Lord Venkateswara temple on Friday (August 15) night.

A devotee, identified as Medam Srinivasulu from Mamidipalli village, Kandi mandal in Telangana’s Sangareddy district, had come to Tirumala along with his family. After completing darshan and collecting laddus around 9:30 p.m., he was returning to his cottage along with his family members. when he suddenly collapsed at west mada street behind the laddu complex.

When the family members raised an alarm, an on-duty constable, Gurappa, rushed to their aid. Realising that the man had suffered a cardiac arrest, the constable immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Reports state that Mr. Gurappa performed about 90 compressions in quick succession, which revived the devotee’s pulse.

Without wasting time, the constable arranged for an ambulance and shifted him to Ashwini Hospital, where doctors administered first aid. The patient was later referred to Sri Padmavathi Medical College and SIMS Hospital in Tirupati for advanced treatment, where his condition is reported to be safe.

The constable earned much praise from fellow pilgrims, temple staff and other police officials for his presence of mind.