South Korean Businessman Suffers Cardiac Arrest in Hong Kong — TKP Coordinates Lifesaving ECMO Air Evacuation

A South Korean national visiting Hong Kong for business collapsed due to sudden cardiac arrest, later diagnosed as acute myocarditis. After emergency ECMO placement at Queen Mary Hospital, TKP Medical Assistance successfully coordinated his repatriation to Seoul via specialized air ambulance, ensuring continuous critical care during the cross-border transfer.

The TKP team collaborates with the Hong Kong nursing staff to safely escort Mr. Park to the airport for air ambulance evacuation

Sudden Collapse and Emergency ECMO Initiation

Mr. Park, a businessman from Seoul, began experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath during a business trip in Hong Kong. After collapsing, he was rushed to Queen Mary Hospital’s emergency department. Despite immediate CPR efforts, he went into cardiac arrest. Suspecting acute myocarditis—possibly triggered by a recent viral infection—doctors performed emergency intubation and Veno-Arterial ECMO insertion during resuscitation. He was then transferred to the ICU for further support.

Final checks on the mobile ECMO system and equipment onboard the dedicated air ambulance before departure to Seoul

Critical Condition Requires Repatriation for Advanced Treatment

After one week of intensive care, Mr. Park regained consciousness but remained dependent on ECMO due to poor cardiac function. A multidisciplinary team from both Queen Mary Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital determined that he required a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or heart transplant—treatments only available back in Korea. The family contacted TKP Medical Assistance to arrange for a safe and urgent medical repatriation.

Mr. Park is safely transferred to the ambulance upon landing in Seoul, escorted to Seoul National University Hospital for further cardiac care

Seamless International Transfer via Air Ambulance

TKP’s experienced critical care team traveled from Shenzhen to Hong Kong to assess Mr. Park and prepare the ECMO air evacuation. A medically configured fixed-wing aircraft was arranged with ICU-level onboard support. The team ensured the safety and stability of the ECMO system throughout the 3-hour flight to Seoul, including backup power systems, oxygen supply, and altitude-adjusted care protocols. Upon arrival, Mr. Park was swiftly transferred to Seoul National University Hospital for continued treatment.

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