"Survival Itself Is a Miracle"... Fell from 15 Floors, Emergency Medical System Saved Life

A man in his 30s who fell from the 38th floor to the 22nd floor while working at an apartment construction site survived a fall from a height equivalent to 15 floors. This was thanks to receiving treatment within the golden hour through a systematic emergency medical system.

Professor Kim Maru of the Regional Trauma Center at Catholic University Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital and a patient who fell from a height of 15 floors, underwent emergency surgery, and is currently recovering. Provided by Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital

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According to Catholic University Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital on the 9th, Mr. A, who was working at an apartment construction site in Wadong-dong, Paju-si, Gyeonggi Province, fell from the 38th floor and landed on a safety net installed on the 22nd floor, losing consciousness around 3:35 p.m. on the 16th of last month.

At the time of the accident, Mr. A's condition was severe. If the Injury Severity Score (ISS) is 15 or higher, the patient is classified as a severe trauma patient. Mr. A was assessed with a score of 29, indicating serious injuries and a very low chance of survival.

The 119 emergency medical team, who responded to the report, transported him to the nearby Paju Medical Center. However, the medical center quickly determined that he needed to be transferred to a higher-level hospital. While providing emergency care, they requested a 'doctor-aboard fire helicopter' (Heli-EMS). Within an hour of the accident, Mr. A was placed on the helicopter and arrived at Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital Regional Trauma Center about 40 minutes later, where he underwent emergency surgery.

After receiving intensive care in the intensive care unit, Mr. A miraculously regained consciousness on the 24th of last month, just one day before Christmas, and was moved to a general ward. He was discharged on the 8th, 23 days after the accident, expressing gratitude by saying, "Many people, including medical staff and firefighters, did their best behind the scenes for just one patient. Thanks to their help, I am able to live again."

Professor Kim Maru, the attending trauma surgeon, said, "The fact that he survived after falling from a height equivalent to 15 floors is itself a miracle." He added, "When he first arrived at the hospital, the situation was very difficult, but all the medical staff devoted themselves to treatment with one heart, and I am very pleased that the patient recovered and was able to be discharged." Professor Kim also boarded the fire helicopter that transported Mr. A and treated him.

Director Jo Hang-ju of the Regional Trauma Center said, "Mr. A's discharge is a great gift to the medical staff of the Regional Trauma Center and the local community who have worked tirelessly throughout the past year. This case is a miracle of life created through the cooperation of medical staff and the community." He added, "We will continue to do our best to protect the golden hour that saves lives and to bring hope to more patients."

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