An elderly man’s life was saved thanks to a stranger, who just happens to be a rookie idol.
On August 21, the man collapsed in a Tokyo subway station, having suffered an undisclosed medical emergency. Out of the crowd of onlookers, a 27-year-old woman suddenly emerged and used her past medical training to help the man until he could be transported to a hospital.
The woman in question, Maika Kitamura, is a member of NEO à la mode, a J-Pop girl group that debuted on June 15.
However, before debuting as a member of NEO à la mode, Maika Kitamura worked in the medical field for three years.
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In a video taken at the scene, Maika Kitamura can be seen checking the elderly man’s pulse and asking him to squeeze her hand to help him stay conscious. She also directed the station’s staff members, telling them that the man needed to be brought to a hospital quickly.
緊急措置🚉 pic.twitter.com/I7dIMPpuPd
— 新命明輝(三剣真一) (@AKIRASHINMEI02) August 21, 2024
“During traumatic moments, it can be natural to feel helpless,” Kitamura stated. “However, just having the courage to call someone can help save a person’s life. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the many people who supported me and allowed me to transfer the patient to the emergency services and the hospital.”
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The viral video of Kitamura helping the man has racked up nearly 20 million views on X. Following the incident, Kitamura told Fuji Television that she happened upon the man while returning home from group practice. Though asked, she chose not to reveal details about the man’s medical condition to the public out of respect for his privacy.
緊急措置🚉 pic.twitter.com/I7dIMPpuPd
— 新命明輝(三剣真一) (@AKIRASHINMEI02) August 21, 2024
