On 29/7, Thai Nguyen Central Hospital reported admitting a patient who had turned blue, fallen into a deep coma, and was experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from inhaling contaminated water.

After being pulled from the water and given first aid, the young man appeared alert. Believing he was stable, his family let him rest at home instead of seeking medical attention. However, within 30 minutes, he began experiencing fatigue and difficulty breathing. Despite receiving oxygen at home, his condition deteriorated rapidly. By the time he reached the hospital, he was in critical condition.

Doctors immediately intubated him, put him on a ventilator, and held an emergency consultation. Several intensive care measures were implemented, including a bronchoscopy to remove fluid and foreign objects, along with continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) to treat septic shock and multiple organ failure. He also received high doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics and circulatory support.

After three days of intensive care, the patient regained consciousness, was weaned off the ventilator, and had his breathing tube removed. By the eighth day, he could communicate and eat normally, thankfully without neurological damage, and was discharged.

Doctor Nguyen Tien Tue, who treated the patient, described the case as a severe near-drowning. He emphasized the high risk of death if appropriate emergency treatment isn't administered within the "golden hour."

Medical experts advise that all near-drowning victims, even those appearing alert after first aid, should be taken to the nearest medical facility for evaluation and monitoring for potential complications like acute pulmonary edema, infection, or multiple organ failure. Proper first aid is crucial, but it's equally vital to seek professional medical care without delay, rather than relying on folk remedies.

Thuy Quynh