The 14-year-old student is making a remarkable recovery after two months of critical care. On 8/7, representatives from Children's Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City announced that the patient is recovering well with almost no neurological sequelae. When admitted in May, the patient was in a deep coma, experiencing seizures, full-body rigidity, severely reduced blood oxygen levels, and showing signs of severe oxygen deprivation brain damage, coupled with a cervical spine injury.

Medical teams employed extensive interventions to stabilize his condition. Given the patient's critical condition, doctors initiated mechanical ventilation, administered antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and anti-cerebral edema medication, adjusted electrolytes, and provided tube feeding, alongside intensive physical therapy. Thanks to these efforts, his health improved significantly each day.

A psychological evaluation revealed the harrowing circumstances leading to his injuries. After regaining consciousness, the patient received psychological evaluation. Hospital representatives stated he shared that he had experienced a severe mental crisis after a long period of being blocked, threatened, and forced to pay money daily by a group of friends. The accumulated pressure, which he couldn't share with anyone, led him to self-harm.

The hospital is now focused on the student's psychological recovery and reintegration. Currently, the hospital continues to collaborate with psychological experts to provide emotional support, helping the student stabilize and reintegrate into life.

Resuscitation treatment for the patient. *Photo: Quynh Tran*

The incident has prompted a police investigation into alleged extortion. In late May, the Lam Dong Provincial Police Investigation Agency initiated legal proceedings against an 8th-grade student for extortion. According to the investigation, this student and a group of friends were accused of repeatedly beating, threatening, and forcing the victim to pay from 20,000 to 50,000 VND daily. Authorities are continuing to investigate and address those involved.

This case highlights the importance of vigilance against school violence. Based on this case, doctors advise parents to pay more attention to changes in their children's psychology and behavior, especially if children show signs of anxiety, fear, school avoidance, or frequently ask for unusual amounts of money. Families need to coordinate closely with schools to detect early signs of school violence and intervene promptly to prevent regrettable consequences.

Le Phuong