On 4/1, Doctor Nguyen Thang Nhat Tue, Head of the Emergency Department at Gia An 115 Hospital, reported the patient was in a deep coma, with pale, mottled skin, cold extremities, and no palpable pulse when the pre-hospital emergency team reached his home.

Medical staff at the scene immediately initiated advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation. They performed chest compressions, cleared the airway by suctioning foreign objects, intubated the patient, and provided oxygen via bag-mask ventilation. After about 15 minutes of intensive resuscitation, the patient's heart resumed beating, and he was transferred to the hospital for continued care.

The emergency team intubates the patient. Photo: Gia An 115 Hospital

The family recounted that the elderly man suddenly coughed violently and choked while eating the "banh troi nuoc." He was unable to speak, his skin turned blue, and he gradually became disoriented before falling into a coma. His daughter called neighbors for help, who attempted back slaps, the Heimlich maneuver, and finger-sweeping his throat, but failed to dislodge the foreign object. They then called emergency services 115. Guided by the 115 call center operator over the phone, family and neighbors continued chest compressions until the emergency team arrived approximately 6 minutes later.

According to Doctor Tue, sticky, pliable foods such as "banh troi nuoc," glutinous rice cakes, and mochi pose a particularly dangerous risk for airway obstruction. This risk is heightened for the elderly, individuals with impaired swallowing, weak teeth, or those who eat quickly, when fatigued, or after consuming alcohol.

If someone is choking and exhibits signs such as inability to speak or clutching their throat, call for emergency help immediately. Do not delay contacting medical professionals by waiting for ineffective attempts at first aid.

"At this point, attend to the victim while calling emergency services 115 as soon as possible," Doctor Tue warned, "because a delay of just a few minutes can cause irreversible brain damage due to oxygen deprivation."

The 115 Emergency Center demonstrates first aid techniques for choking victims. Video: 115

Le Phuong