A 40-year-old male teacher weighing about 350kg was rescued by the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) after he became incapacitated in the bathroom of his home at Kuala Sungai Baru early on Saturday (31 Jan).
Melaka Fire and Rescue Department public relations officer, Deputy Superintendent II Mohd Hafidzatullah Rashid, said the department received an emergency call at 2.56am.
A team from the Masjid Tanah Fire and Rescue Station was immediately dispatched and arrived at the scene at about 3.08am.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the man unable to move in the confined bathroom, despite assistance from his wife.
According to Mohd Hafidzatullah, the victim had been suffering from fever for more than a week and was on medical leave.
He also has asthma and was experiencing severe pain from a bacterial infection in his legs, which significantly limited his mobility.
Source: Melaka Fire and Rescue Department via New Straits Times
His wife further told authorities that he had lost his appetite over several days, leaving him extremely weak.
JBPM clarified that the man did not slip or fall, but that his physical condition had deteriorated due to prolonged illness and exhaustion.
The rescue operation took longer due to the narrow bathroom space, with firefighters proceeding carefully while allowing time for the victim to cope with the pain.
It took about 20 minutes to move him out of the bathroom.
A total of eight firefighters were involved in the rescue.
Due to the man’s weight, a standard ambulance could not be used.
He was instead transported in a fire department transport truck, accompanied by medical personnel from the Kuala Sungai Baru Health Clinic, to Alor Gajah Hospital for further treatment.
The rescue operation concluded successfully at 4.18am, with all personnel reported safe.
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Featured image adapted from Melaka Fire and Rescue Department via New Straits Times.