The purpose of this study was to understand how ordinary citizens who participated in initial response activities at the Itaewon disaster site interpreted their experiences. To this end, a qualitative study using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method was conducted. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight ordinary citizens who had participated in initial response activities during the Itaewon disaster. Data were collected from December 11, 2023, to October 10, 2024. Five theme clusters were derived through phenomenological analysis: 1) Overwhelmed by the catastrophic scene with mass casualties, 2) Desperate attempts to save lives amid chaos, 3) Daily stability disrupted by haunting memories, 4) Mixed perspectives on initial response efforts, 5) Directions for improving future initial response efforts. Participants perceived a gap between existing CPR training and the realities of disaster situations, and some suggested that more realistic, scenario-based training may be needed. They also highlighted the importance of support from healthcare professionals and the need for accessible psychological support after initial response activities. • Citizens felt realistic, scenario-based CPR training would help lay rescuers. • Citizens struggled to coordinate CPR roles and teamwork during the disaster. • Citizens emphasized healthcare professionals’ leadership in guiding lay rescuers. • Citizens stressed shifting perceptions of helping as positive, not burdensome. • Confidential, accessible psychological support is needed for civilian lay rescuers.
Jang et al. (2026) studied this question.