Kim Sang Chun, a range worker for the 12th Korean Service Corps Company made remarks after receiving the Superior Civilian Service Award at Camp Kim, Oct 19, 2016. Kim received the award for saving a man who was injured from an antipersonnel mine ex...
Kim Sang Chun, a range worker for the 12th Korean Service Corps Company poses for a picture with his wife and Brig. Gen. John P. Sullivan, Commander of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, after receiving the Superior Civilian Service Award, O...
YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea -- Kim Sang Chun, a range worker for the 12th Korean Service Corps Company, was on his way to work when he noticed a woman desperately screaming for help. She guided him to her husband who was lying on the ground screaming in agony. Her husband was suffering from a devastating injury to his foot after stepping on and detonating an antipersonnel mine, while he was picking wild greens near the Demilitarized Zone on May 25, 2016.
"It was such a dreadful scene, and I was so afraid at the moment that I even thought about passing by," said Kim. "But I suddenly had this feeling that I am the only one who can save his life because it's rare to find anyone around that area."
According to Kim, it was hard to think of how to give the casualty proper emergency medical aid because he didn't have a medical kit.
Therefore, he had to improvise by using gloves and plastic bags from his vehicle in order to prevent a bacterial infection. He also used the casualty's belt as a tourniquet to stop his bleeding.
"I never thought I would get to apply all the skills I learned from Combat Life Saving and Field First Aid Trainings to a real life," said Kim. "But, they all came out naturally when I really needed them as if I knew everything from A to Z from the beginning," he said.
After that, he instructed the woman to keep pressing the mutilated part of her husband's body to prevent further blood loss while he called 119.
Since they were located at a restricted area for civilians, Mr. Kim had to transfer the casualty and his wife almost five kilometers to the entrance of Ribi Bridge, which was the closest location emergency services could access.
Once Kim saw the ambulance coming, he controlled traffic and handed over the casualty to them.
According to Kim, the injured casualty was transported to Ilsan Baik Hospital and has undergone two surgeries so far and is now waiting for his third and last surgery.
In such an urgent and chaotic situation, Kim's incredible act of service helped save the casualty's life and prevented further damage.
His service was reported through many media outlets including local TV and news articles, emphasizing his decisive life-saving actions and determination.
Acknowledging his achievement, Brig. Gen. John P. Sullivan, Commander of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, presented Kim the Superior Civilian Service Award on behalf of Eighth Army Commander Lt. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal, Oct 19, 2016.
"I know every Korean Service Corps personnel who is trained on Army Warrior Training can provide the same emergency medical service as I did," said Kim during his award-ceremony remarks. "I was just at the right place at the right time to help." He added, "I will share this moment with my family here and fellow KSC workers."
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