Do Not Joke About Pulling Chairs at School; It Can Lead to Death

The ‘chair-pulling’ prank has claimed another victim. This time, a high school student identified by the initials Cipa (17), from Pariaman, West Sumatra, was reported to have died in August 2026 due to severe injuries sustained after being the victim of a chair-pulling prank by a classmate at school.

Responding to this incident, Dr Putro S Muhammad, a physician and Secretary General of the Central Board of the Indonesian Healthcare Facilities Association (HIFDI), stated that pulling a chair while someone is about to sit is extremely dangerous as it can cause serious injuries, including to the spine. Spinal injuries can be fatal because the spinal cord serves as the primary pathway for nerves from the brain to the rest of the body. These nerves also play a role in regulating vital functions, including breathing and heart rate.

“When a fracture or displacement of the vertebrae occurs due to injury, it can press upon or damage the spinal cord. This condition can lead to permanent paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death,” said Dr Putro when contacted by Republika on Friday (28/08/2026).

The dangers of falling are also significant. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) records approximately 684,000 deaths due to falls every year worldwide. Falls are the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries. More than 80 per cent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, including Indonesia.

Dr Putro emphasised the importance of proper early intervention to prevent injuries from worsening. According to him, after a victim falls, their body should not be moved immediately. It is essential to ensure that the position of the head and neck remains aligned to prevent further injury.

“Early intervention is crucial. The correct procedure is to not move the victim, keep the head and neck aligned, immediately contact medical assistance (119), and do not provide any food or drink,” said Dr Putro.