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City of Tottori Honors Two Men Who Saved Runner During Marathon



Two men who successfully performed emergency medical treatment upon a runner who had collapsed at March's Tottori Marathon were honored by the Tottori city government. Keitaro Noguchi, 44, a doctor who had been running in the race, and Shinya Niwasaki, 56, a spectator who had been standing nearby, received certificates of recognition for their actions.

According to the city government, during the race a man in his 40s suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness near the 24 km point on the marathon course. 10 meters further along the course at the time, Noguchi heard spectators' shouts and returned to perform CPR. Niwasaki got hold of an AED and prepared it for use while directing the flow of traffic. The male runner survived thanks to their assistance.

Tottori mayor Yoshihiko Fukazawa personally presented the certificates to the two men at a ceremony at city hall. Noguchi told him, "To be honest I was in a bit of a panic, but despite that I kept my focus and I'm glad we were able to save the man's life." Niwasaki commented, "I was just playing a support role. The main thing is that he survived."

source article:
https://mainichi.jp/articles/20180613/ddl/k31/040/409000c
translated by Brett Larner

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