![Kang Gyun-ho, a fourth-year orthopedic resident at Daejeon Eulji University Hospital [Photo provided by Daejeon Eulji University Hospital]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/12/news-p.v1.20260612.d4d1ea2bd74048288da992a79378e752_P1.jpg)
An orthopedic resident returning from his honeymoon responded swiftly to a medical emergency aboard an international flight, helping a passenger reach home safely.
Daejeon Eulji University Hospital said Friday that Kang Gyun-ho, a fourth-year orthopedic resident, treated an emergency patient aboard an Asiana Airlines flight from Rome to Incheon on May 24.
Kang was returning from his honeymoon when the cabin crew broadcast a doctor call asking for any medical personnel on board. He immediately identified himself and made his way to the patient.
At the scene, a middle-aged female passenger was lying in the aisle, complaining of severe lower back pain and paralysis-like symptoms in both legs.
Kang assessed her condition and conducted a neurological examination. He determined that acute lower back pain had triggered intense pain and an anxiety response, which together produced symptoms resembling paralysis.
He then reassured the patient and administered painkillers from the aircraft's onboard medical kit. Her pain and anxiety gradually subsided following treatment.
The captain had considered an emergency landing to evacuate the patient, but her condition stabilized and the aircraft continued to Incheon International Airport as scheduled.
husn7@heraldcorp.com
