Bystanders with CPR training praised as they respond to Halloween tragedy in Itaewon, South Korea

Tom Claudio
Nov 2, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Nov 4, 2022

Bystanders with CPR training praised for saving lives in halloween tragedy (photo: News Waali)

The recent tragedy that happened in Itaewon, South Korea demonstrates what the American Heart Association has been telling us all along. Many of us should get CPR training and get CPR certification to respond to emergencies that can happen wherever we are.

On October 29, 2022, a disaster happened in a halloween event in Itaewon when a crowd surge took place in a congested alleyway. The South Korean National Fire Agency verified that the stampede resulted in 151 deaths and more than 150 injuries.

Over 100,000 people are said to have attended the Halloween festivities in the area famed for its vibrant nightlife.

According to reports, more than 142 rescue vehicles were sent to the area to help the injured. Medical staff had trouble getting to the scene of the crowd surge due to the dense automobile and pedestrian traffic in the region.

A post on a well-known online community board featured a video of bystanders' efforts to aid the victims during the terrible tragedy and witness reports that were distributed while the disaster was occurring.

In a video that was included in the post, a guy is seen speaking to a group of onlookers who have gathered behind caution tape to watch while emergency responders treat patients there. The man first requests in Korean, for volunteers to step forward and help with the emergency CPR efforts.

Then, in English, he continued by requesting assistance from any nearby nurses or medical professionals.

“Do we have anyone who knows how to perform CPR? Men who have served your military duties and learned how to perform CPR, please help! Female nurses, please help!”

When several onlookers stepped behind the caution tape to help with the emergency medical efforts, the witnesses filmed the incident and pleaded in Korean for assistance.

Internet users expressed their gratitude for the efforts of people who could have simply waited for the victims to be treated by medical experts while they sought solace in their local communities.

Internet users felt sorry for the onlookers who bravely decided to intervene and lend a hand.

“CPR is difficult... You could fracture the patient’s ribs, but you have to keep going. That’s how much pressure you’re putting on the chest. I hope the volunteers don’t get too traumatized from this.”

In other footage taken at the scene of the crowd rush, people could be seen frantically performing CPR as rescue personnel moved through the mob to check on each victim.

Netizens never stopped thanking the people for coming together to help in the face of such a horrible circumstance.

“I actually learned how to perform CPR once, but I would not be volunteering because I wouldn’t be so sure if I’m doing it right. I’m inspired by the people running out to help.”

Source: https://www.koreaboo.com/news/korean-civilian-praised-volunteer-cpr-itaewon-emergency-victims/