When His Father Suddenly Collapsed Before His Eyes... 13-Year-Old Son Preserves the 'Golden Hour' with CPR

In a critical moment when his father collapsed due to cardiac arrest, the calm response of a 13-year-old elementary school student has come to light as a life-saving act. In a situation that would have left most adults panicked, he protected the golden hour by following what he had learned-calling 119 for help and immediately performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with courage.

Kim Heegun (13), who saved his father who collapsed from cardiac arrest with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Wonju Fire Station

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According to the Wonju Fire Station on April 20, Kim Heegun, a sixth-grader at Seomgang Elementary School in Wonju, Gangwon Province, witnessed his father suddenly lose consciousness and collapse on the sofa at home at around 8:21 a.m. on March 17.

Despite the emergency, Kim promptly called 119 to request assistance. Following the instructions of the emergency situation center, he calmly began performing CPR. Although it was a situation difficult for any child to handle, Kim did not give up and continued chest compressions until the rescue team arrived.

Paramedics who arrived at the scene immediately provided professional care, and his father safely regained consciousness and his life was saved.

The survival of a cardiac arrest patient is determined within the first few minutes. It is not easy for even adults to assess the situation calmly and respond with accurate actions. In this regard, Kim’s actions as a 13-year-old elementary school student are considered to have played a decisive role in preserving the ‘golden hour.’

The Wonju Fire Station recognized Kim’s achievement with a commendation and is actively considering selecting him as a ‘Heart Saver,’ an honor awarded to citizens who save lives.

Kim Jeonggi, head of the Wonju Fire Station, said, “Emergencies can occur without warning, but the actions of one prepared person can save a life. I hope that this case will encourage more citizens to take an interest in CPR and become the heroes who save lives in moments of crisis.”

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