Soldiers Save Life During APEC Military Security Operation: "Performed CPR Until Ambulance Arrived"

Shim Wonchang, Ahn Seongeun, Shin Hyuntae, and Lee Hyowook
"Driven by the sense of duty to protect the people"

During the APEC summit, soldiers conducting military security and guard operations in the Gyeongju area drew attention for saving the life of a citizen in critical condition.

The main figures were four individuals: Warrant Officer Shim Wonchang of the Counterintelligence Command, Sergeant Ahn Seongeun, Private Shin Hyuntae, and Private Lee Hyowook of the Artillery Battalion, 50th Infantry Division of the Army.

(From left) Private Lee Hyo-wook, Sergeant Ahn Seon-geun, Warrant Officer Shim Won-chang, Private Shin Hyun-tae. Provided by the 50th Army Division

According to Gyeongju City and the 50th Army Division on November 3, these soldiers were on mobile patrol near the Bomun Complex on the night of October 31 as part of security and guard operations for the safety of the APEC summit.

Around 9 p.m., while passing in front of a village, they witnessed an elderly man collapse by the roadside. Upon checking the scene, they found that the man was barely conscious and had very weak breathing.

Warrant Officer Shim Wonchang immediately assessed the situation and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), while asking a nearby resident to call emergency services (119).

Sergeant Ahn Seongeun maintained communication to ensure the emergency medical team could arrive quickly, and when the ambulance appeared, he guided it to the scene.

Since the cold weather posed a risk of rapid decline in body temperature, Privates Shin Hyuntae and Lee Hyowook took off their military coats and jumpers, laid them on the ground, and covered the elderly man to help maintain his body temperature.

The soldiers stayed by the elderly man's side, continuing CPR until the emergency team arrived. The man was then handed over to the paramedics and transported to a nearby hospital, where he reportedly regained normal consciousness and breathing.

Sergeant Ahn Seongeun said, "At the time, all I could think about was protecting the golden hour," and added, "I believe that safeguarding the lives of our people is the greatest mission of a soldier."

Major General Moon Byungsam, Chief of the Army Operations Headquarters, stated, "This is an exemplary case of soldiers going beyond their assigned duties during the APEC period to protect the lives and safety of the people," and added, "As the nation's army, we will continue to do our utmost to carry out missions that ensure the public's peace of mind."