BAGUIO: For 16-year-old Juan Carlos 'JC' Sumbad of Barangay Pinget, a spontaneous act of bravery turned him into a local hero when he saved a man's life using CPR.
According to Philippines News Agency, Sumbad was riding a jeepney on December 4 when he noticed a man lying face down in Dizon Subdivision. Without hesitation, he exited the vehicle to assist Victor Chua, a 64-year-old heart patient who had suffered a heart attack. Sumbad, a student at the Special Education (SPED) Center, had learned Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) through the school's disaster and emergency response program. Utilizing these skills, he performed CPR and successfully saved Chua's life.
Victor Chua Jr., the patient's son, expressed profound gratitude for Sumbad's swift action and life-saving response. "Medical responders said that if not for JC's quick thinking and response, my father wouldn't have survived," he stated. Chua has since been discharged from intensive care and is preparing for a heart bypass operation.
Emergency responder and trainer Jimmy Ceralde highlighted the significance of knowing CPR and BLS, noting that "seconds matter in emergencies. A delay can mean the difference between life and death." Ceralde, who regularly conducts free training sessions, recounted a recent incident where his training enabled him to save a choking teacher with the Heimlich maneuver.
The Philippine Cardiology Society remains committed to advocating for CPR education through the 'Samboy Lim Law,' which integrates CPR training into the K-12 curriculum. Named after the basketball star who faced a life-threatening heart attack in 2015, the law aims to equip more individuals with crucial lifesaving skills. Health experts, as the holiday season increases the occurrence of health emergencies such as strokes and heart attacks, urge everyone to prioritize health and preparedness.
"Immediate response is critical," said nurse Jenee Austria of the Department of Health. "Knowing CPR can save a loved one's life." Sumbad's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that preparedness and training can have in emergency situations.
