Student Collapses During PE Class, Prompt Response Saves Life
Education Authorities: "Hands-On Training for School Staff to Be Strengthened"
It was belatedly revealed that a student who lost consciousness during a physical education class was saved thanks to the calm emergency response of a teacher. As a result, the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in schools is once again receiving attention.
According to the Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education on December 5, one student suddenly collapsed during a group activity class at the gymnasium of Goheon Middle School in Buk-gu, Ulsan, in September.
Physical education teacher Kim Woobin, who was the first to recognize the situation, immediately asked a fellow teacher on the opposite side of the gym to call emergency services (119), cleared objects around the student to prevent secondary injuries, and began initial response measures. At the time, the student was unconscious but still able to breathe on their own. Following emergency guidelines, Teacher Kim focused on securing the airway and avoided any unnecessary movement.
However, a short time later, the student's breathing became rapidly irregular and then their pulse disappeared, creating a critical situation. Teacher Kim immediately began CPR. As chest compressions continued, the student's breathing seemed to return briefly, only to stop again repeatedly. After approximately three to four minutes of CPR, the student finally regained breathing and was handed over to the emergency medical team upon their arrival. The student received treatment at the hospital and has now fully recovered.
Teacher Kim recalled, "Although I had pictured this scene countless times during training, seeing my own student not breathing right in front of me made my hands tremble. Still, all I could think was that I had to do exactly as I was taught." The Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education evaluated the incident as "a case that proves the effectiveness of CPR and emergency response training for school staff in real-life situations."
Previously, in August last year, Lee Geunwoo, a life science teacher at Kyungpook National University High School, also performed CPR at a sports center in Daegu after discovering a middle-aged man who had collapsed near the shower area while exercising. Thanks to his actions, the man quickly regained his pulse, was treated at the hospital, and later visited the school to express his gratitude.
At the time, Teacher Lee said, "I realized that the CPR I learned for student safety could actually save a person's life."
As these cases become known, education authorities have announced plans to further strengthen hands-on CPR training so that all school staff can acquire these life-saving skills.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
