A heroic act meant to save a life has turned into a lightning rod of controversy in China, after a man who performed emergency CPR on a collapsed woman in public has been accused of inappropriate touching. The case, which unfolded in the city of Hengyang, Hunan Province, has triggered widespread debate over societal perceptions of male involvement in life-saving situations.
The incident occurred on 12 July 2025, when a woman suddenly collapsed in a crowded public area. Eyewitnesses said her face and hands had turned pale, and she had no detectable pulse. A female doctor at the scene was the first to respond, immediately initiating CPR in an attempt to revive her.
However, after several exhausting minutes of chest compressions, the doctor sought assistance from bystanders. That’s when a man, later identified as Mr Pan, stepped forward to continue the CPR. He reportedly performed compressions for nearly 10 minutes until the woman’s breathing was restored and she was taken to hospital.
Online Backlash Despite Life-Saving Effort
Despite his crucial intervention, Pan’s actions quickly came under scrutiny after footage of the event surfaced online. While many netizens hailed him as a hero, a significant number questioned the propriety of his actions—specifically the placement of his hands during CPR. Some online users went so far as to accuse him of groping the unconscious woman.
“Why didn’t a female continue instead of a man?” read one popular comment, while others alleged the act had “groping intentions.” These claims have sparked a firestorm of debate on social media, with netizens divided over whether Pan’s gender should have disqualified him from intervening.
The video ignited a sensitive national conversation in China, touching on the intersection of gender norms, public decency, and the moral expectations surrounding first aid. Many experts have since come forward to stress the importance of medically accurate CPR being prioritised over baseless suspicions.
Rescuer Defends His Actions, Says He Followed Protocol
Speaking to local media on 14 July, the man behind the controversy, 42-year-old Mr Pan, identified himself as a medical lecturer at the Hunan Environmental Biology Technical College. In his defence, Pan emphasised that he had adhered strictly to CPR protocols taught in medical training.
“I was very cautious,” he said. “My hands were placed on the sternum, as required in standard procedure. If anything had been wrong, the paramedics on site would have corrected me—but they didn’t.” According to Pan, none of the professional medical staff who later arrived questioned the integrity of his technique.
Despite being cleared of wrongdoing by the professionals on the ground, the incident has left Pan emotionally devastated. “I only did a small thing, yet it caused such a huge storm online. If I had known it would come to this, I might not have stepped in to help at all,” he lamented.
Public Reaction Highlights Growing Tensions Around Good Samaritans
The incident has sparked concerns over the potential chilling effect it may have on future Good Samaritans. Critics argue that such backlash could discourage people from intervening in emergencies out of fear of being wrongly accused, particularly men assisting female victims.
This isn’t the first time that a rescuer in China has faced public scrutiny despite good intentions. In recent years, several high-profile cases have highlighted the risks of public mistrust directed at bystanders offering medical assistance—especially when the act involves physical contact with female victims.
Medical professionals and CPR trainers have since stepped in to reaffirm public understanding of proper life-saving procedures, reminding the public that chest compressions must be administered forcefully and accurately on the centre of the chest regardless of gender.
A Cautionary Tale About Public Perception and Medical Urgency
The CPR incident in Hengyang has ignited national introspection on the role of bystanders during emergencies, and whether cultural taboos are interfering with life-saving actions. While Mr Pan’s actions likely saved a life, the cloud of suspicion now surrounding him underscores a troubling gap between public education and public perception.
As discussions continue across media platforms, many are calling for increased awareness around CPR techniques and stronger legal protections for individuals who step in during medical emergencies.
Whether Mr Pan’s experience will deter others remains to be seen—but his case has certainly become a pivotal moment in China’s ongoing struggle to balance traditional norms with modern public health expectations.