Duy Binh, from Bac Ninh, drove a car to rush a boy choking on a foreign object to the emergency room around 2 p.m. on 28/2, deliberately running red lights on certain sections of the road to reduce travel time.

Binh recounted that he was having a drink with a friend when he heard shouts from a nearby house. Upon investigation, he found a crowd gathered around a young boy who was struggling to breathe, convulsing, his face turning blue, and tears and mucus streaming. The onlookers suspected the child was choking.

Binh immediately picked up the child and repeatedly patted his back, hoping to dislodge the object, but the child's condition did not improve. Recognizing the life-threatening danger of any delay, he decided to use his car to transport the boy and his family to Bac Ninh General Hospital No. 1, the nearest hospital, located about 2 km away.

During the drive, Binh activated his hazard lights and continuously flashed his headlights, signaling to vehicles ahead to yield. In congested areas, he was forced to run red lights and cross into opposing lanes to expedite the child's arrival at the hospital.

"The child's cries grew fainter, compelling me to drive quickly to the emergency room. Any delay could have been very dangerous," Binh stated.

Hospital camera footage captured Binh carrying the child into the emergency room. *Screenshot*

The child arrived at the hospital in time, and medical staff successfully removed the foreign object from his throat. Once the boy's condition stabilized and his examination was complete, Binh drove him and his family back home.

Binh noted that the area where he ran red lights is equipped with traffic cameras. Consequently, he contacted the hospital to obtain video footage as evidence for potential explanation to authorities. Vu Thanh Giang, Deputy Director of Bac Ninh General Hospital No. 1, confirmed that the hospital admitted a child choking on a foreign object brought in by a citizen during an emergency on 28/2, and the child was discharged on the same day.

Current regulations stipulate that traffic violations committed in an emergency to protect the life and health of others may be exempt from penalties. The Ministry of Public Security confirmed that running a red light to yield to an ambulance or transport someone for emergency medical care is considered an act performed in an "emergency situation" and is therefore not subject to administrative fines.

In similar unforeseen circumstances, citizens should proactively gather evidence, such as photos or videos from their journey, or obtain confirmation from medical facilities regarding emergency transport. This documentation can assist authorities in fully evaluating the context of traffic violations occurring in urgent situations.

Ho Tan