Tran Do Trong Dai, a security guard at Long Son working for Khanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital, was on Tran Phu beach in Nha Trang when he noticed the man collapse. Seeing that the man had stopped breathing, Dai immediately began performing CPR and artificial respiration. Simultaneously, he called 115 (Vietnam's emergency number), putting the call on speakerphone to receive direct guidance from emergency personnel while also asking bystanders for assistance.

Three minutes later, the 115 emergency team arrived. By then, the patient was in a deep coma, with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 and unresponsive pupils. The emergency team diagnosed him with cardiorespiratory arrest, suspected to be caused by a cardiovascular issue.

Doctors at Khanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital provide emergency care to the cardiac arrest patient. Photo: *Khanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital*

At the scene, the emergency team continued CPR, intubated the patient, and provided oxygen via a bag valve mask. They administered adrenaline through the endotracheal tube and intravenously. After 10 minutes of resuscitation, the patient's pulse returned, and he showed signs of gasping breaths. He was then transported to Khanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient was conscious, opening his eyes and moving his limbs. Although his breathing was weak, his vital signs gradually stabilized. He remained under observation in the Intensive Care Unit.

A representative from Khanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital stated that timely first aid at the scene was crucial in saving the patient's life. "Without Dai's correct intervention before the arrival of the emergency team, the patient's chances of recovery would have been slim," the doctor said.

Khanh Hoa's 115 Emergency Center emphasized that every minute of delay in providing CPR to a cardiac arrest victim reduces their chance of survival by 7-10%. They stressed that anyone can save a life by performing proper chest compressions and rescue breaths.

If unsure about performing CPR, the center advises immediately calling the nearest medical facility and putting the call on speakerphone to receive step-by-step instructions while waiting for the ambulance.

Bui Toan