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A red flag at Karon beach: deadly when the rips are running

Phuket Monsoon Claims Chinese Tourist in Karon Beach Drama

Saturday, May 14, 2011
A CHINESE tourist became the first beach victim of Phuket's monsoon season today at Phuket's most notoriously dangerous beach.

Wei Fuo Thang, 32, was pulled from the water by lifeguards near the annual beach volleyball location, north of the centre of Karon beach.

A spokesperson for the Phuket Lifeguard Club said that Mr Wei was knocked off his feet while wading in waist-deep water. The ''do not swim'' red flag was flying at the beach.

Lifeguards in a rubber dinghy pulled the man on board and carried him back to the beach, where he was quickly resuscitated.

Mr Wei appeared to recover from the experience and walked away, only to collapse on the sand. Whe lifeguards saw that he had fallen, they provided him with medical attention.

He was taken by ambulance to Patong Hospital, where he died about 1.30pm.

Whether his death will be recorded as a drowning will depend on a doctor's examination of his body.

Phuketwan informed the Chinese honorary consul of the tragic death. Mr Wei was staying at a five-star Karon beachfront resort.

Nine fatalities were recorded at Karon beach between April 2010 and February. An improved, enlarged lifeguard service began work on 13 west coast Phuket beaches in April.
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Comments

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As a medic, I can say that any drowning victim that has been resuscitated needs to be stabilised on location on a stretcher, or similar, breathing oxygen from a tank, and immediately evacuated/ transported directly to a hospital for follow-up treatment. No exceptions.

Can't allow someone who technically died, returned to life, then walk off.

Posted by JingJing on May 15, 2011 11:24

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Hey Jing Jing I am also a paramedic and as such, I concur with you.
This only looks good for outsiders reading the article.
I pray proper training comes to this island to really help people in need.
ED don't ask what have I done to help . . . my answer is FA because as a farang I cannot work nor help in this area.

Posted by Graham on May 15, 2011 16:17

Editor Comment:

Phuket's lifeguards get training and practical assistance from Australian lifesavers.


Monday November 25, 2024
Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa

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