Thai nurse’s timely assistance saves German cyclist
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A GERMAN cyclist who collapsed after suffering a stroke in Surat Thani on Saturday was saved by a passing nurse.
Srikanya Chuarob, who works at Surat Thani Hospital, was driving by when she saw Gunter Retsch, 49, had passed out and his friend, identified as Tomus, calling for help outside Surat Thani Cancer Hospital.
The man had no pulse, so she performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for half an hour until a rescue squad arrived. He then regained consciousness and was rushed to her hospital.
Dr Adikiat Iamworaniran, director of the hospital, said Retsch was in stable condition and out of danger but needed intensive care to prevent any complications.
Retsch had visited Koh Pha Ngan in the morning and was planning to bike to Krabi with his friend when he suffered the stroke. The nurse saved his life, Adikiat said.
Srikanya said she was taking her family to Wang Kho resort for the New Year holiday when she saw a foreigner yelling for help.
She saw Retsch biting his tongue, and his heart had stopped. So she pumped his chest and stuck a spoon in his mouth to prevent him from chewing his tongue.
She called 1669 and tried to revive him till the rescue vehicle arrived. She went inside to continue caring for him.
She said her family did not get to enjoy the beach but she was overwhelmed for helping rescue the tourist.
Governor Wongkasiri Promchana assigned his deputy Uaychai Innark and Pol Lt-Colonel Akkarapol Polcha, chief of Provisional Tourist Police, to visit Retsch at the ICU ward.
Retsch could manage a long conversation but complained about chest pain from the CPR.
He thanked the nurse for saving his life.
Dr Nattha Anonthaweesil said the tourist was safe and did not need to be put on a ventilator. The patient had suffered a stroke so she prescribed medication for the symptoms.
Doctors would further examine him and he needs to stay in the hospital for five more days, she said.
Uaychai said the province would award Srikanya a trophy to honour her for her selfless deed.
