A man crushed by 300-kg steel beam at a construction site survived thanks to Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital’s expert care. The 62-year-old patient, surnamed Hu, suffered life-threatening injuries when the heavy steel beam fell on him.
When the man crushed by 300-kg steel beam arrived at the hospital, his condition was critical. He had multiple broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a ruptured liver, and severe colon damage. These injuries made his survival seem unlikely. As a result, the hospital immediately activated its major trauma response team.
Surgeons from different specialties joined forces to save him. General surgery, colorectal surgery, plastic surgery, and bone surgery teams worked together in four complex operations. They removed part of his damaged liver, repaired his colon, fixed fractures, and controlled bladder bleeding. In total, 19 doctors and several nurses took part in his care.
Hu’s treatment lasted 72 days. During this time, he received more than 24 liters of blood through transfusions. Despite these efforts, he developed complications like acute kidney failure and a lung infection. These additional challenges tested the medical team’s skills and determination.
Moreover, Hu had a history of aortic dissection, a dangerous tear in the body’s main artery. The severe blood loss made his condition worse. The tear extended in his chest and abdomen arteries. After careful evaluation, heart surgeons chose to manage his blood pressure with medication instead of surgery.
Ko Kuo-yao, one of Hu’s surgeons, described the case as extremely difficult. He explained that most patients with such injuries die at the scene or during surgery. However, Hu’s strong will to live played a vital role in his survival and full recovery.
On Tuesday, the hospital held a press conference to share Hu’s story and celebrate the recovery of the man crushed by 300-kg steel beam. Hu expressed deep gratitude to the medical team, describing his survival as a rebirth. Thanks to quick action and teamwork, he beat the odds and returned to health.
