"Something Was Off for Just Snoring"... High School Student in Cardiac Arrest Saved by Teacher and Friends During Class

A Classmate Recognized Abnormal Breathing
Teacher and Classmates Shared Roles for Emergency Response

It was belatedly reported that a high school student who went into cardiac arrest during class was saved thanks to the quick actions of their teacher and classmates.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) stock photo.

According to Yonhap News on July 25, at around 3:00 p.m. on June 16, a third-year student at Changwon High School in Uichang-gu, Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, appeared to be snoring with their head down on the desk during class in a fifth-floor classroom.

However, even after standing up, the student showed similar breathing symptoms while leaning against the wall. Noticing this, a classmate determined that the student's breathing was abnormal and not snoring, and informed the teacher. The teacher checked and found the student was unconscious and called for the school nurse and other staff.

The nurse assessed the student’s complexion and breathing and determined it was cardiac arrest, while another teacher immediately began performing CPR. Meanwhile, another classmate brought an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Thanks to the quick emergency response by the teacher and students, the student who was in cardiac arrest regained breathing and pulse and soon recovered to the point of being able to speak.

The 119 rescue team transported the student to the hospital, taking into consideration the student’s history of heart surgery. After receiving treatment and safely returning to school, the student was able to finish the first semester as usual. This became a case where the cooperation of the teacher and students saved a life.

Changwon Fire Headquarters, the local fire authority, is currently proceeding with the process of nominating four people, including the school nurse and students, for the 'Heart Saver' award. The Heart Saver certification is granted after a review to citizens and public officials who save lives through CPR or by using an AED on cardiac arrest patients.

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