![[Gangneung Asan Hospital]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/10/news-p.v1.20260610.5026ad0853f54179b4f34052a7613487_P1.jpg)
<style ref="s1">"The moment I saw someone collapse, my body was already running toward them before I even had time to assess the situation."</style>
Two nurses who performed CPR on an unconscious man lying in the middle of a road — saving his life — have received recognition for their actions.
According to Gangneung Asan Hospital on Tuesday, the two nurses were spending their lunch break at a cafe in downtown Gangneung on May 19 when they noticed traffic backing up on the street outside.
Assuming it was a minor traffic accident, they soon spotted a motorcyclist collapsed on the road. Without hesitation, the two rushed out of the cafe.
The patient was unconscious, showing signs of limb rigidity and convulsions. He then began foaming at the mouth as his breathing and pulse rapidly deteriorated.
Recognizing the emergency, nurse Park Gang-ryun immediately began chest compressions while nurse Joo Hye-won quickly secured the patient's airway to prevent obstruction and assisted with first aid.
The two continued CPR for about three minutes until paramedics arrived. They stayed at the scene to monitor the patient's condition while emergency responders applied an automated external defibrillator and other measures.
After confirming the patient was gradually regaining color, the two nurses handed him over safely to the paramedics and returned to the cafe.
The patient was transported to Gangneung Asan Hospital for treatment and later made a full recovery before being discharged.
"At the time, it felt like my body just moved on its own," Park said. "When I heard he had recovered and been discharged, I was truly relieved."
Joo said she believed anyone in the same situation would have done the same. "Knowing he was able to return safely to his daily life is the most rewarding part," she added.
Gangneung Asan Hospital conducts regular CPR training for all staff to improve their ability to respond quickly in emergencies. The hospital said the incident showed how repeated education and drills can translate directly into lifesaving action.
The home nursing care unit where both nurses work visits patients at their residences when hospital visits are not possible, providing professional nursing services and supporting treatment and recovery across the Yeongdong region.
rainbow@heraldcorp.com
