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Local Resident Saves Spectator's Life During Road Race

On Apr. 9 the organizing committee of February's Ome 30 km Road Race recognized local care worker Tomoko Furuya, 59, and three race officials for saving the life of a fallen spectator during the race. Furuya downplayed her role, saying, "I only did what anyone would've done."

While watching the Feb. 17 Ome race Furuya saw an elderly man who collapsed along the side of the course. When she came nearer to him she saw that he had been one of her teachers in junior high school. Repeatedly calling him "teacher," Furuya performed CPR. Race officials Takao Murakami, 70, and Toru Hara, 64, rushed to assist Furuya with the aid of an AED. A third official, Masao Yamaguchi, 82, organized emergency transportation.

The stricken man was taken to a hospital where he recovered and was discharged on Mar. 5. Via telephone he told Furuya, "I received the gift of life, and I will spend it all with my wife."

source article:
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/tokyotama/news/20190409-OYTNT50128/
translated by Brett Larner

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