A Homeless Man in His 60s, Whose Legs Were Swarmed by Flies, Refused Treatment — Until Police Who Kept Visiting for Two Months Won His Trust [Thank You, Public Servants]

[Financial News] A man in his 60s who had lived on the streets for 20 years and whose health had deteriorated to the point that his leg had become necrotic finally received hospital treatment after persistent persuasion from a police officer who visited him for two months. He has also reconnected with family members he had not spoken to in years.
According to Daegu Central Police Station on the 24th, a joint response request was received from the fire authorities at around 7:45 a.m. on the 6th, reporting that flies were swarming around a homeless man's leg. The person was A, a man in his 60s who had long been living near Banwoldang Station on the Daegu Metro.
Reports about A had been filed several times over the past few months. His right leg had suffered extensive necrosis, with fluid oozing from the wound and flies gathering around the injured area. However, he reportedly refused not only help from others but even conversations with the police.
Police and firefighters determined that emergency treatment was needed and urged him to be taken to a hospital, but A strongly refused, preventing the transfer.
The person who kept reaching out to A was Senior Officer Choi Seong-ryeol, 43, of Jungang Police Substation under Daegu Central Police Station. Since June, Choi had been visiting A regularly and asking how he was doing.
Rather than pressuring him to get treatment immediately, Choi focused on lowering A's guard by showing up repeatedly and continuing the conversation.
A, who had not even responded at first, said on the 19th, about two months later, that he would accept help. Choi worked with the Mental Health Welfare Center, medical institutions, and the 119 Emergency Medical Service to arrange treatment, and he also informed A's family, with whom contact had been lost, about his condition.
A was taken to the emergency room of a University Hospital, where treatment for the necrotic leg began, and he is now receiving inpatient care. A's younger sister told police, "This is the first time someone has cared this much. It seems my brother is lucky," expressing her gratitude.
Chae Hee-chang, chief of Daegu Central Police Station, said, "We will continue to actively identify citizens in need, including long-term homeless people, and work with related agencies to support their treatment and return to society."


[email protected] Seong Min-seo Reporter