Korean firefighters training in the United States performed rescue activities at the scene of a traffic accident they accidentally encountered. The local fire authorities expressed their gratitude to them through social media.
According to the Korea Fire Service, at around 10:50 p.m. on 13th (local time), a collision between two vehicles occurred on a highway near Denver, Colorado. One vehicle overturned in the accident, and the driver inside was reported to be unconscious.
At the time, five Korean firefighters who witnessed the accident immediately initiated rescue activities. They had witnessed the accident while returning to their accommodation after completing training.
The firefighters stopped the vehicle on the shoulder, called 911, and entered the overturned vehicle through the rear window. After rescuing the driver, who had lost consciousness and breathing, they immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the scene.
They concluded their rescue activities by transferring the patient to the local fire department that arrived on the scene for transport to the hospital. However, it was reported by the local fire authorities that the driver died after being transported to the hospital.
The firefighters who participated in this rescue included fire chief Lee Gi-pyeong, fire chief Pyun Young-beom, fire chief Jo In-seong from the Korea Fire Service's Central 119 Rescue Headquarters, fire officer Kim Young-jin, and fire lieutenant Kim Gu-hyeon from the Jeonnam Fire Service, totaling five.
The Adams County Fire Department in Colorado officially stated on its social media account that "the rescue actions of the Korean rescuers were textbook responses that all firefighters should follow" and noted that "immediate CPR and on-site control enabled a swift rescue operation."
The fire department also expressed its gratitude by stating, "We are very thankful for the prompt rescue activities."
Kim Jae-hyun, head of the special response training at the Central 119 Rescue Headquarters, stated, "This case, in which we responded as if in a real situation during training and participated in on-site activities, is a testament to the professionalism and sense of duty of Korean firefighters internationally," and added, "We will continue to be firefighters who protect the lives of the people and humanity in any situation in our country."