A 41-year-old Malaysian man successfully revived an Indonesian tourist who collapsed at a hawker centre, marking the first time he ever used CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a real emergency.
The rescuer, Koay Hean Wei, shared the experience on his Facebook page. He wrote that he had just finished breakfast with his teacher at Lebuh Cecil when he saw a man suddenly collapse nearby.
First time applying his knowledge in real emergency
This morning I was just having breakfast with my teacher at Lebuh Cecil. When walking back to the car, we saw someone collapse right in front of us. My teacher shouted at me, ‘ALAMAK… faster go help!’”
Koay immediately stepped in to assist. Although his company supplies medical equipment including AEDs, he only learned how to operate one in 2023 during an event. This was the first time he had to use that knowledge in a real emergency.
He described how frightened he felt throughout the ordeal.
Honestly… I was really scared. My hands were shaking and I was sweating nonstop, but I told myself die die also must do,” he wrote.
3 cycles of CPR and 2 shocks
Following the AED prompts, he performed three cycles of CPR and administered two shocks. Moments later, the patient showed signs of life.
After 3 cycles of CPR and 2 shocks, the patient suddenly responded. Wah… that moment I could finally breathe again,” he shared.
Soon after, medical personnel from GH ambulance arrived, followed by a Cert Ambulance team who took over the patient’s care.
“Learning CPR and AED really can save a life.”
Koay wrote that the experience made him realise how crucial basic emergency knowledge can be.
Today I truly felt it. Learning CPR and AED really can save a life. Thank you to everyone who helped during the CPR,” he said.
The Indonesian man, believed to be in his 50s, has reportedly stabilised after receiving hospital treatment and has been transferred from the intensive care unit to the high dependency ward.
