Phuong recounted that the incident occurred just 2 km from his home. He initially planned to rush home for family to take him to the emergency room, but the numbness rapidly spread, accompanied by shortness of breath and a headache. Maintaining composure, he drove to find the nearest emergency facility. Upon seeing the VNVC Lien Chieu Vaccination Center, he pulled in for assistance.

"I thought a vaccination center might also provide emergency care, and I was very scared because I found it hard to speak and my tongue felt stiff. The doctors constantly encouraged me and acted quickly", he recalled.

Phuong received emergency support from VNVC doctors and nurses before being transferred to the hospital. *Photo: VNVC*.

On 27/2, doctor Thai Thi Linh of VNVC Lien Chieu Vaccination Center in Da Nang, stated that Phuong urgently sought emergency care around 1 p.m., appearing visibly fatigued. His blood pressure had surged to over 240/100 mmHg, significantly higher than the normal range of about 120/80 mmHg. He was promptly moved to the post-vaccination reaction room for initial first aid.

Doctors instructed Phuong to lie with his head elevated, loosen his clothing, and reassured him. He had no prior diagnosis of hypertension.

According to doctor Linh, the patient showed signs of severe hypertension with a stroke risk. Therefore, she prescribed blood pressure medication, monitored his vital signs every 15 minutes, and called an ambulance.

Thanks to the first aid provided by VNVC doctors, Phuong's blood pressure dropped to 180/100 mmHg by the time the ambulance arrived for transfer. His condition was stable enough for a safe hospital transfer, accompanied by a VNVC doctor for support. After receiving emergency care and being monitored for one week at Da Nang Hospital, his health stabilized.

Phuong returned to VNVC Lien Chieu to thank the medical staff near Lunar New Year 2026. *Photo: VNVC*.

Doctor Linh explained that hypertension is often called a "silent killer" because many cases present no clear symptoms. In Vietnam, an estimated 12 million people suffer from the condition, with many cases undiagnosed or untreated.

Adults are diagnosed with hypertension when their blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or higher. Blood pressure readings of 180/120 mmHg or above are considered a medical emergency, often accompanied by symptoms such as severe headache, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, or altered consciousness. Without prompt treatment, this condition can lead to stroke, myocardial infarction, or acute heart and kidney damage.

Doctors advise that if unusual symptoms like numbness in limbs, severe headache, difficulty speaking, or shortness of breath occur, individuals should remain calm and seek immediate assistance at the nearest medical facility. Timely initial treatment can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous complications.

Recently, VNVC centers have provided initial treatment for numerous urgent medical emergencies. For instance, in early November 2025, at VNVC Nha Trang, a 16-month-old girl choked on a foreign object while playing. The center's head nurse immediately noticed and responded quickly, performing the Heimlich maneuver (back blows) to dislodge the object within seconds, ensuring the child's safety. Earlier, in August 2025, VNVC Quan 8 also admitted and saved a one-year-old baby experiencing unexplained seizures.

Doctors and nurses at VNVC Lien Chieu, Da Nang, provide first aid to a man with acute hypertension. *Video: VNVC*.

Hoang Duong

To help residents detect cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, especially among the elderly and those with underlying conditions, nearly 260 VNVC vaccination centers nationwide are offering a free blood pressure screening program for all citizens.

At VNVC, doctors and nurses possess experience in screening, vaccination, and managing immediate post-vaccination reactions. They also regularly receive training in handling emergency situations such as stroke, choking, seizures, and traffic accidents. Each center is equipped with a dedicated emergency treatment room stocked with necessary medications and equipment.