Apikiat Eimworanirand, director of Surat Thani Hospital, presented Srikanya Chuerob with a plaque of honour for saving the life of Gunter Retsch, who collapsed after a coronary attack while bicycling in the province on Saturday (Jan 2).
The plaque was a reward for the dedication of Ms Srikanya and would give her moral support on her work, Dr Apikiat said.
Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn wrote an open letter praising her on behalf of the Public Health Ministry for sacrificing her personal life for humanitarian efforts.
The 39-year-old nurse was on vacation with her family, taking them to Na San district for the New Year’s celebration, when she saw a biking partner of the German man waving for help on a roadside. The two were cycling from Koh Phangan to Krabi when Mr Retsch collapsed.
She stopped her car and came out to resuscitate the fallen man. She then decided to cancel her trip and accompany him in the ambulance to the hospital.
“I am proud to give his life back to him. I am proud of myself, my family and, more importantly, my colleagues at the hospital who also helped him to be able to go back to live with his family again,” said Ms Srikanya after the ceremony.
Doing the best to help others was what a nurse had to do, she added.
Mr Retsch is still being treated at the hospital and his condition is improving, according to the hospital director.
Read origianl story here.