Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

Three students at Surathampitak School in Nakhon Ratchasima have been widely praised for their composure after successfully reviving a fellow student whose heart had suddenly stopped during a lesson.

 

The incident took place at 09:00 on 19 May, when a male Mathayom 3 student collapsed unconscious in his classroom. Witnesses described the boy as having no pulse, yellowing eyes, and frothing at the mouth. Classmates quickly alerted staff, while three nearby Mathayom 6 students, Jirapat Srisawang (Tonkla), Kittiphop Khaisai (Prite), and Rattaphoom Khajornsathit (Poon) — rushed to assist.

 

The trio retrieved an oxygen cylinder from the school’s first aid room and took turns performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for over 20 minutes. Thanks to their quick action and persistence, the student eventually regained signs of life, after responders arrived to assist with an AED, automated external defibrillator. He was later transferred safely to Suranaree Camp Hospital, where he remains under close medical supervision but is now in a stable condition.

 

All three rescuers revealed they had received basic life support training and serve as volunteer first responders in their local area. They expressed pride in being able to put their skills into practice and save a life.

 

Mr. Sarawut Chaemmuangpak, the school’s director, commended the students’ bravery and responsibility. He emphasised the importance of first aid education, particularly CPR training, which the school provides regularly. To honour their actions, the school awarded each student a certificate of commendation.

The story has since gone viral on Thai social media, with thousands praising the students for their courage and calmness under pressure. The incident has also sparked renewed public interest in CPR training, with many calling for greater access to life-saving education across all age groups and communities.

 

“This proves that emergencies can happen at any time, and knowing CPR can truly be the difference between life and death,” Mr. Sarawut added.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-21.

 

 

 

CPR and first should be taught in every school in every nation as part of health / physical education and refreshed every year. It would save countless lives around the world. 

10 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

To honour their actions, the school awarded each student a certificate of commendation.

What, no monetary gift... tight git.

All schools should have at least 1 AED exactly for this reason. Good on the boys for doing it. First aid and CPR should be mandatory, but glad they did it. 

2 hours ago, MadAtMatrix said:

CPR and first should be taught in every school in every nation as part of health / physical education and refreshed every year. It would save countless lives around the world. 

 

Absolutely agree - without question.

 

First and foremost, though, full credit to the lads. Outstanding effort all round.

 

Turning to the education aspect of the discussion - yes, without a doubt, the following should be mandatory in schools:

 

- First Aid (with a focus on first responder training)

- Electrical Safety (including emergency first aid for electrical incidents)

- Water Safety (drowning remains a leading cause of death among under-15s in Thailand)

- Road Safety (virtually every Thai will be driving some form of vehicle from the age of 15 onwards)

 

These are fundamental, real-life, life-saving skills that should be part of every school curriculum - not just in Thailand, but globally. Thai children, in particular, are statistically more likely to encounter these hazards than many of the theoretical scenarios presented in other academic subjects. That’s not to dismiss the value of the broader curriculum, but these four essential life skills arguably carry greater day-to-day importance.

 

Frankly, it’s baffling that they aren’t already a core part of mainstream education.

2 hours ago, MadAtMatrix said:

CPR and first aid should be taught in every school in every nation as part of health / physical education and refreshed every year. It would save countless lives around the world. 

I agree. I just added 'aid' to you comment.  It should be provided free every few of years to any people who wish to learn, especially to the farmers.

BLS (Basic Life Support) training is certainly available here. 

It's only a 4 hour & costs 1000bt.

 

Perhaps the school might gain more publicity , if they did this, rather than an award?

4 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Absolutely agree - without question.

 

First and foremost, though, full credit to the lads. Outstanding effort all round.

 

Turning to the education aspect of the discussion - yes, without a doubt, the following should be mandatory in schools:

 

- First Aid (with a focus on first responder training)

- Electrical Safety (including emergency first aid for electrical incidents)

- Water Safety (drowning remains a leading cause of death among under-15s in Thailand)

- Road Safety (virtually every Thai will be driving some form of vehicle from the age of 15 onwards)

 

These are fundamental, real-life, life-saving skills that should be part of every school curriculum - not just in Thailand, but globally. Thai children, in particular, are statistically more likely to encounter these hazards than many of the theoretical scenarios presented in other academic subjects. That’s not to dismiss the value of the broader curriculum, but these four essential life skills arguably carry greater day-to-day importance.

 

Frankly, it’s baffling that they aren’t already a core part of mainstream education.

Agreed. This is miraculous to me. I'm amazed that a Thai school has this equipment let alone maintain it properly. Fantastic work by the school, kids and everyone involved. I'd like to think all Thai schools are on board but I very much doubt it.

 

Sadly, many Thai schools can't be bothered with any of the aforementioned lessons or won't invest in such hence the wish for many Thai families to avoid Thai education in favour of international schools.

 

Can't imagine families back home paying over the odds to avoid being taught by our own countrymen.

 

Reiterate the outstanding effort part. Well done lads.