Teenagers save hiker with CPR after man in his 50s collapses on trail

A man in his 50s who collapsed while hiking regained consciousness after a group of teenagers performed CPR on him.

According to fire department authorities, the man, identified only as A, lost consciousness around 1:40 p.m. Sunday while trekking in Baeksu-eup, Yeonggwang-gun, South Jeolla Province.

He was in critical condition, showing signs of ventricular fibrillation — an irregular and potentially fatal heart rhythm.

After his wife called 119, passing teenagers performed CPR on the man for about 10 minutes until paramedics arrived.

Emergency responders then continued CPR using an automated external defibrillator. A regained consciousness while being transported to the hospital and was confirmed to be in stable condition.

"The teenagers who happened to be passing by performed CPR and helped secure the critical window of time," a Yeonggwang Fire Station official said. "When someone collapses from a heart condition, it is vital to keep performing CPR until paramedics arrive."