Phuket schoolgirls honoured for heroic life-saving rescue
Two high school students from Cherng Talay Wittayakhom School have been hailed local heroines after their quick-thinking actions saved a man’s life earlier this month.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat personally recognised Benchawan Kanphai aka Rinda and Siriporn Ditsawan, both Grade 12 students, in a special ceremony at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, January 29, awarding them certificates of appreciation for their courage and selflessness.
“Their dedication to public service is an inspiration to the entire community.”
On January 6, near Cherng Talay Shrine on Srisoonthorn Road, an elderly man suffered a cardiac arrest while riding his motorbike with a sidecar. He lost consciousness, prompting bystanders to call the Cherng Talay Municipality rescue team for urgent help.
When medics arrived, they immediately began CPR and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in an attempt to revive him. Needing extra assistance, they turned to the crowd—that’s when Benchawan stepped forward without hesitation.
Armed with CPR training from a programme organised by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), Benchawan confidently performed CPR and administered two shocks with the AED, helping to stabilise the man before he was rushed to hospital, reported The Phuket News.
“I’m so happy that I could help save his life,” she later said, reflecting on the moment.
The girls’ bravery and quick thinking have been widely celebrated, with emergency responders highlighting their story as a powerful reminder of the importance of first-aid training.
In a similar incident where the victim was less fortunate, a German man died at a resort on Koh Phayam, an island in the southern province of Ranong. A piece of candy may have been spat out of his mouth during CPR but officers concluded that the cause of death was a pre-existing medical condition.
In other news, a 54 year old Russian tourist was discovered face down in the water at Pattaya Beach, close to Soi Beach Road 3.
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