First responders at the station were shocked by the man’s refusal to go to the hospital despite suffering a heart attack and potential head injuries.
News Line
A man in central China has captivated social media after he collapsed from a heart attack at a railway station and the first thing he said upon being revived was “I need to rush to work”.
The incident unfolded on February 4, the last day of the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, when the man suddenly collapsed on the platform of a railway station in Changsha, Hunan province, while queuing to board a train. Several railway station staff and a doctor from a major local health centre came to his rescue, the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald reported.
The unidentified man, who is in his 40s, gained consciousness after about 20 minutes. He then surprised everyone with his first words after coming around.
“I need to take the high-speed train to go to work,” he said, adding that he did not think it necessary to go to hospital.
The on-scene doctor told the man he might have suffered injuries from the fall, meaning it was vital for him to have a physical check-up at hospital.
The man finally agreed to board an ambulance.
The News Shocked Internet
The man’s story struck a chord with many internet users in China amid the backdrop of high unemployment. “Oh dear, he woke up and the first thing he thought of was to make money. I am so moved!” said one online observer.
“He is not alone in this society. Most of us have to bear high burdens, from house loans to kids’ education. It is not easy for everyone,” another person wrote.
China’s unemployment rate has been lingering at a high level in recent years.
The unemployment rate for people aged between 16 and 24, excluding students, was 16.1 per cent in November last year, down from 17.1 per cent in October, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Cases of employee’s sudden death caused by excessively long overtime often make headlines in the country.
In 2022, an IT engineer at a top digital company in Shanghai, who was around 30 years old, died suddenly in a gym and was survived by his pregnant wife and a home loan of 20,000 yuan (US$2,700) a month.
Take away Message
This news story highlights the intense pressure and dedication of workers in China, where high unemployment rates and financial burdens push many to prioritize work above their own health.
The man’s immediate concern for his job, even after suffering a heart attack, resonates with many who face similar struggles. It serves as a reminder of the need for balance between work and well-being and calls attention to the societal and economic factors contributing to such extreme devotion to work.
The reactions on social media reflect the empathy and shared experiences of the public, emphasizing the collective challenge of navigating a demanding work culture.
What do you think about this harsh reality of man struggling for survival? Share this news!
Source: www.scmp.com