Off-Duty Coast Guard Officer Rescues Elderly Cyclist After Collision
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A coast guard officer in Wando, South Korea, rescued a 70-year-old cyclist after a collision while he was off-duty with his family.
- Officer Kim Jin-geun provided immediate first aid, including controlling bleeding and checking vital signs, preventing potentially harmful CPR attempts by bystanders.
- His swift actions and calm judgment helped stabilize the injured cyclist until emergency services arrived, earning praise for his dedication.
A young coast guard officer in Wando, South Korea, demonstrated exceptional presence of mind and bravery by rescuing a 70-year-old cyclist involved in a traffic accident. Officer Kim Jin-geun was off-duty with his family when he witnessed a car and bicycle collide near the Wando County Office.
The elderly cyclist fell onto the road, suffering severe head injuries and losing consciousness. Without hesitation, Kim Jin-geun rushed to the scene. He immediately called emergency services and used a towel from bystanders to control the bleeding from the man's wounds. He also monitored the cyclist's breathing and pulse, speaking to him continuously to keep him conscious.
As a coast guard officer, protecting the safety of the people is a natural duty.
Kim Jin-geun's quick assessment prevented a critical error. When some bystanders prepared to administer CPR, Kim Jin-geun intervened, noting the cyclist still had a pulse and breathing. This prevented potential further injury, such as spinal or rib damage, that could have resulted from unnecessary resuscitation efforts.
Before the ambulance arrived, Kim Jin-geun also managed traffic around the accident site to prevent secondary collisions. He then safely handed over the patient to the emergency medical team. Reflecting on his actions, Kim Jin-geun stated that protecting citizens' safety is a fundamental duty for any coast guard officer.
I will do my best to protect the lives and safety of the people in any situation.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.