Nigerian doctor revives a foreign pilgrim who slumped during hajj in Saudi Arabia

On Monday night, a non-Nigerian pilgrim slumped at the Masjid Haram/Nabawi in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.  

The pilgrim collapsed shortly after Solatul Maghrib, a prayer offered around 7am. Officials of the Saudi Arabia Red Crescent Authority otherwise known as emergency responders were seen attending to him and about five of the emergency responders battled hard to revive him unsuccessfully.

The situation was brought under control when a reporter with TheNation and a medical practitioner with the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSMPWB), Dr Abideen Aro got to the scene.  

Aro introduced himself as a medical practitioner to the visibly troubled emergency responders before they allowed him access to the slumped pilgrim. He quickly collected some medical instruments, including the one used to check the pilgrim’s heart if it’s still active.

After administering some medical therapies, the pilgrim opened his eyes and responded to further first aid treatment. The pilgrim was quickly put on emergency vehicle and driven to the hospital for further treatment. The emergency responders thanked Dr Aro for his heroic feat.  

According to Dr Aro, who is working with the Lagos State Accident and Trauma Centre, the pilgrim was dehydrated. He said the high temperature in Saudi Arabia could be the cause. Aro, who was formerly with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), said the pilgrim needs to be placed on drip to regain some energies.