Chinese Ship Officer Evacuated from Jeju Island After Medical Emergency — TKP Air Ambulance

A 59-year-old chief officer onboard a trans-Pacific cargo ship fell into a diabetic coma while en route from Los Angeles to Shanghai. Following an emergency stop in Jeju Island for stabilization, TKP Medical deployed an air ambulance to bring him safely back to China for advanced care.

Medical Crisis at Sea

Mr. Wang, a seasoned 59-year-old chief officer with over 30 years of maritime experience, began experiencing persistent coughing and breathlessness while his vessel crossed the Pacific. Despite basic treatment onboard, his condition worsened rapidly. As the ship neared South Korea, Mr. Wang suddenly lost consciousness. The onboard doctor suspected diabetic ketoacidosis—confirmed by dangerously high blood glucose readings and infection symptoms. With limited medical resources at sea, the captain coordinated with Chinese and Korean authorities for an emergency docking in Jeju.

Medical team prepares for critical air transfer at Jeju International Airport, ensuring continuous respiratory and cardiac support during boarding.

Emergency Stabilization in Jeju

Upon arrival, local emergency services transported Mr. Wang to a hospital in Jeju Island. Tests confirmed severe lung infection and diabetic ketoacidosis. He was intubated and transferred to the ICU, where he gradually regained consciousness after three days of intensive care. Eager to return to China for continued treatment, his employer contacted TKP Medical Assistance for cross-border transfer support.

Inside the air ambulance, TKP’s ICU team monitors Mr. Wang’s vital signs and adjusts treatment in real time throughout the international flight.

Safe Repatriation by Air Ambulance

After assessing the patient’s condition with Jeju medical staff, TKP arranged a specialized air ambulance equipped with advanced respiratory support. A critical care team accompanied the flight to monitor vital signs and provide in-flight treatment. The aircraft landed safely in Shanghai, where Mr. Wang was immediately transferred to the ICU at Zhongshan Hospital for further care. The entire operation demonstrated the efficiency and professionalism of TKP’s long-distance critical care transfer capabilities.

Upon landing in Shanghai, the patient is transferred directly to Zhongshan Hospital’s ICU for continued respiratory and infection management.

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