Nurse on Vacation Saves Seizing Passenger on Ulsan Flight

Lee So-young was settling into her seat for a well-deserved vacation when she heard the cabin crew's urgent call for help. A male passenger had collapsed with severe convulsions on the runway at Ulsan Airport, his tongue blocking his airway in a life-threatening emergency.

The 31-year-old nurse didn't think twice. She crossed the aisle immediately, showed her nursing license on her phone, and got to work.

This happened on February 10th aboard a flight bound for Gimpo Airport around 2:30 p.m. Lee, a six-year veteran at Ulsan University Hospital's gastroenterology ward, had just boarded for a personal trip. Instead of a relaxing flight, she faced a medical crisis where every second counted.

Lee directed nearby passengers to call emergency services while she and the crew began first aid. She removed the patient's clothes to prevent overheating and carefully secured his airway. Her calm, methodical approach worked—the man regained consciousness and started breathing normally.

But Lee didn't stop there. She stayed with the patient until paramedics arrived, monitoring his vital signs and searching for medical information. When she found alcohol swabs in his belongings, she recognized the signs of diabetes and passed this critical detail to emergency responders.

Why This Inspires

Lee's response shows what happens when professional training meets genuine compassion. She could have stayed in her seat, letting crew handle the situation. After all, she was off duty and heading on vacation.

Instead, she treated the emergency with the same care she'd give in her hospital ward. Her attention to detail—like noticing the alcohol swabs and connecting them to diabetes—shows the depth of medical thinking that can make the difference between adequate care and excellent care.

The man was transported to a nearby hospital for continued treatment. Thanks to Lee's swift action during those critical first minutes, he had the best possible chance at recovery.

Lee's own words capture the quiet heroism that defines healthcare workers everywhere: "I simply did what any medical professional should do. I will not hesitate to step forward even if a similar situation occurs again."