On 6/12, Doctor Huynh Quang Dai, head of the Intensive Care and Anti-poison Department at Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital, reported that bronchoscopy revealed the 21-year-old patient sustained lung damage from inhaling a significant amount of soot and grade two burns to her airway lining, along with fractures to her shoulder and 4th-5th ribs. She is currently on high-flow oxygen, receiving bronchodilator and mucolytic nebulizer treatments, and is being monitored for the risk of respiratory failure and pneumothorax.
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The patient is currently receiving treatment at the Intensive Care and Anti-poison Department, Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital. Photo: Minh Toan |
The patient is currently receiving treatment at the Intensive Care and Anti-poison Department, Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital. Photo: Minh Toan
The 18-year-old patient has less severe lung damage and grade one airway burns. She is receiving oxygen and bronchodilator nebulizers. Due to the risk of secondary infection, she will be monitored and treated with antibiotics for several days, with potential for early discharge if she responds well.
Both patients were transferred to Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital after receiving initial first aid at Saigon General Hospital. The fire erupted early morning 5/12 at a hotpot and snail restaurant on Tran Hung Dao street, Cau Ong Lanh ward, District 1, resulting in four fatalities.
Recalling their escape, the 21-year-old said that around 4 a.m., a roommate woke up to use the restroom, discovered the fire, and raised an alarm. "We ran to the window, but the smoke and heat were too dense; we couldn't breathe, so we had to jump down. I used my hands to brace the landing, which prevented a head injury," she said.
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The patient's health is currently stable and recovering. Photo: Minh Toan |
The patient's health is currently stable and recovering. Photo: Minh Toan
According to Doctor Dai, respiratory burns, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) poisoning are common conditions in fires. Hot gases can cause upper airway burns, leading to swelling and obstruction. Soot deeply embedded in the trachea and bronchi causes lung damage.
The doctor advised that during a fire, maintaining calm is crucial for finding an escape route. As smoke and soot tend to rise, protecting airways with a wet cloth over the nose and mouth is essential, while crawling or staying low to move outside. If trapped in a room, open windows to vent smoke and use wet cloths to seal gaps, preventing smoke entry. Absolutely do not jump from a height without a cushion or safety equipment below. For burns, immerse the affected area in clean water and promptly call emergency services or the fire department.
Le Phuong
