"No One Could Step Forward"... Bus Driver Saves Woman with CPR

Calmly Carrying Out the Training Received Regularly

A story about a bus driver who saved a passenger who suddenly collapsed on the bus by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has recently come to light and become a hot topic.

The Seoul Bus Association announced on the 5th that on the 22nd of last month at 6:53 p.m., a female passenger lost consciousness and collapsed on Hanseo Transportation bus number 3217. At the time, the bus was stopped and waiting, and upon hearing from a passenger that someone had collapsed, the bus driver, Mr. Oh Myeong-seok, approached the unconscious passenger. Seeing the collapsed passenger, Mr. Oh immediately asked those around to call 119 emergency services and began performing CPR.

A bus driver saved a passenger who lost consciousness with first aid. [Image source=Seoul Bus Association]

After about two minutes of emergency treatment, the female passenger regained consciousness. She was able to lift herself up and sit on the bus seat, and later headed to the ambulance with the 119 paramedics who arrived.

This story was revealed late after a passenger who was at the scene on the 29th of last month posted it on the bus company's website in the 'Compliment Board.' The passenger who wrote the post said, "There were many people, but no one stepped forward," and added, "At that moment, thanks to the driver's calm response, a precious life was saved. A wonderful driver who serves as the citizens' feet, please continue to drive safely," expressing gratitude.

Meanwhile, Mr. Oh shared his feelings at the time in an interview with a media outlet on the 4th, saying, "When I went to check after hearing a passenger had collapsed, I saw that her pupils were dilated and she was not breathing, so honestly, I was scared and flustered."

He added, "After joining Hanseo Transportation, I received CPR training. I pressed the mannequin and felt the compression strength then," and said, "I did exactly as I learned in the training."

According to data from the Fire Department, the golden time for CPR is within just 4 minutes. It is said that performing emergency treatment such as CPR within 4 minutes on a person whose heart has stopped and who is not breathing increases the chances of survival.