CARDIAC arrest is defined as when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When the heart stops beating, blood cannot properly circulate around the body with blood flow to the brain and other organs being decreased.
In Malaysia, cardiac arrest is a major cause of death with heart attacks being the leading cause. The survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests is very low with studies reporting rates as low as 4.8% overall.
A significant portion of heart attack fatalities occur in individuals aged 60 and above but a considerable number also occur in those below 60.
Luckily for one 55-year-old man travelling from Sibu to Kuching, there was a bystander on hand to offer assistance when he suddenly collapsed at the airport.
According to Amazing Sarawak’s post, the traveller had experienced chest and abdominal pains but an initial scope did little to ease his discomfort. He was traveling solo to Kuching when he suddenly collapsed upon arrival at the airport.
Fortunately for him, there was a lady with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge who heroically continued administering the necessary for half an hour!
To cut a long story short, the man survived a massive cardiac event thanks to the lady’s efforts. The man and his family are extremely grateful that a person with CPR knowledge was in the vicinity to help save the day.
The post has generated 7.1K views, over 408 comments and 1K shares at time of writing with many underlining that not enough civilians possess this critical skill.
More than one posited that this vital skill should be taught in schools or during national service training.
Some netizens highlighted that it was no easy task to continuously administer CPR for 30 minutes.
There was an outpouring of respect and gratitude for the life-saver. As one succinctly put it, “not all superheroes wear capes”.
One commenter also commended Malaysia Airports for having the necessary automated external defibrillator (AED) on standby. This was critical in helping save the man’s life.
Another claimed that the patient was the employer at his son’s workplace. He shared that the patient’s family has been trying to contact the lady to thank her for her incredible life-saving efforts.
There have been numerous calls to introduce this CPR as a lesson in schools alongside other vital first aid skills.
This is a no-brainer. Over to you, Minister of Health Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. – May 6, 2025
