A 22-year-old Dutch tourist, Guus van Rees Vellinga, fainted twice on 28/7 while attempting to cycle over Hai Van pass. He received crucial aid from locals who provided first aid, transportation to a hospital, and assistance with his belongings.

The first incident occurred around 11h when Ton Quang Khiet, a real estate specialist from Da Nang, was driving through Hai Van pass. He noticed Vellinga walking his bicycle towards Hue. As Khiet approached to offer help, the tourist suddenly collapsed. Khiet quickly assessed Vellinga was suffering from heatstroke and low blood sugar. He helped the tourist to the side of the road, offering water and sweet food. About 20 minutes later, Vellinga regained consciousness and rested at a nearby cafe. Khiet then asked the cafe owner to monitor him before leaving for work. "The midday summer weather was harsh," Khiet explained, "the tourist was cycling alone and lacked food, leading to exhaustion."

Ton Quang Khiet (in a white shirt) helps the Dutch tourist lie down and rest on Hai Van pass, after he showed signs of convulsions and exhaustion, midday on 28/7. Photo: Ton Khiet

Shortly after 12h, Vellinga continued his journey. However, near 14h, upon reaching a pre-booked restaurant in Lang Co, Hue, he collapsed again at the entrance.

Lai Thang, a restaurant employee, along with other customers, quickly provided first aid. They applied ice packs and gave Vellinga sugar water. After 15 minutes, seeing the tourist convulsing and in pain, Thang took him to a hospital in Hoa Khanh ward, Da Nang for emergency treatment. Doctors diagnosed Vellinga with exhaustion and heatstroke, attributing it to intense physical activity over a long distance.

That same afternoon, once Vellinga's health was stable, Thang took him back to his hotel in Da Nang. He also helped transfer Vellinga's belongings and contacted the transport company to retrieve his bicycle.

Speaking to VnExpress, Vellinga identified himself as Guus van Rees Vellinga, 22, a Dutch national traveling alone. He had arrived in Da Nang from Thailand on 23/7. His itinerary included cycling over Hai Van pass to visit Lap An lagoon in Hue. Guus stated that the extreme heat caused him to become exhausted and faint. "I was fortunate to receive help from locals, which made my experience in Vietnam even more wonderful," he said.

Quynh Nguyen