On the morning of 3/5, a helicopter from the Southern Helicopter Company landed safely at Military Hospital 175, transporting a patient from Truong Sa Lon island to Ho Chi Minh City for treatment. The flight proceeded in adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, and limited visibility, which posed significant challenges for accessing and transporting the patient overnight.
The patient, a worker from Thanh An 96 Construction Company, sustained injuries after falling from a height during construction. Military Hospital 175 conducted a remote consultation (telemedicine) with medical personnel at Truong Sa Lon to assess and manage the case. Doctors performed emergency pleural air and fluid drainage on the patient, though he later developed severe respiratory failure and showed signs of abdominal injuries. The emergency air transport team activated their plan, while also providing intensive resuscitation to the patient prior to transport.
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Doctors treating the patient. *Photo: Hospital provided* |
Captain, Doctor Nguyen The Nha, head of the air ambulance team, stated that upon the team's arrival, the patient remained in critical condition with progressive respiratory failure, abdominal distension, and suspected surgical injuries. The patient received respiratory support, circulatory stabilization, and pain relief to ensure flight safety. Continuous monitoring was maintained throughout the flight due to the risk of pressure changes affecting respiration.
After nearly 8 hours of overnight flight, the team brought the patient to Military Hospital 175 conscious, on high-dose oxygen, with pleural drainage continuing to release air and fluid. A CT scan revealed complex injuries: multiple rib fractures, pneumo-hemothorax, lung contusion, collapsed lung, along with air and fluid in the abdominal cavity, a ruptured spleen, and small bowel contusion.
The patient underwent emergency surgery to address the injuries, received intensive resuscitation, high-dose antibiotics, and metabolic disorder control.
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The patient being transferred to the treatment area after landing at Military Hospital 175. *Photo: Hospital provided* |
The flight also transported a 55-year-old patient, a worker from Dacinco Company, who was diagnosed with a left hypochondrial abdominal wall abscess and being monitored for inflammation spreading to the colon wall. This patient is currently conscious with stable vital signs, receiving internal medicine treatment, and undergoing close monitoring for potential intervention.
Le Phuong
