On the morning of 15/6, Doctor Duong Tin Phuc, director of Phu Quy Military-Civilian Medical Center, stated that the patient, a resident of Dong Nai province, had traveled to the island with her family one day prior.
After experiencing diarrhea, she self-medicated, but her condition did not improve. Around 14h on 14/6, the patient was admitted to the hospital with frequent bowel movements, low blood pressure, and a history of myocardial ischemia, requiring vasopressor medication.
The patient was allergic to several antibiotics and could only be administered intravenous Ciprofloxacin, which showed a slow response. The center planned to stabilize her condition for transfer to the mainland by passenger ferry the following morning.
"However, the family stated they had the means to charter a plane, so we arranged for the patient to be transferred by helicopter that very night," Doctor Phuc said.
An ambulance transported the patient to the island's military airport, accompanied by medical staff and family members. Around 23h, a helicopter from Southern Service Flight Company landed, picking her up for the approximately 300 km journey to Ho Chi Minh City.
Around 0h on 15/6, the helicopter landed at Tan Son Nhat Airport. The female tourist was then transferred by ambulance to Cho Ray Hospital for continued treatment.
Phu Quy island spans about 18 km2, located 56 nautical miles (over 100 km) from Phan Thiet. Travel between the island and the mainland is primarily by sea. Helicopters are typically used for patient transfers only in special, urgent situations or when ferries are unable to operate.
Last year, one family on the island also chartered a helicopter to transport a stroke patient to Ho Chi Minh City for emergency care. The cost for a service flight from Phu Quy to Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 350 million VND.
Tu Huynh
