Emergency helicopters "cut through the storm" overnight to bring patients back to the mainland

(Dan Tri) - In the early morning of October 1, the emergency helicopter carrying 3 patients from Truong Sa special zone to Military Hospital 175 for treatment landed after many hours of tense flight in stormy conditions.

At noon on October 1, information from Military Hospital 175 said that the unit had just received 3 seriously ill patients from 3 islands in the Truong Sa special zone (Khanh Hoa) who were brought in by helicopter for emergency treatment at 3:20 this morning. These patients were all monitored and diagnosed by doctors at Military Hospital 175 through online consultation.

Emergency helicopters "cut through the storm" overnight to bring patients back to the mainland

The first patient is Mr. NTH (49 years old), who is being treated at Tien Nu Island Infirmary. Previously, Mr. H. had symptoms of high fever for 8 consecutive days, difficulty urinating, and impaired consciousness. The patient was diagnosed with late-stage tuberculous meningitis/purulent meningitis and was monitored on-site.

After more than 3 days, the patient's condition worsened, he fell into a coma and showed signs of progressive multi-organ dysfunction. Doctors decided to airlift him back to the mainland for treatment.

Three patients are being monitored at Military Hospital 175 (Photo: BV).

The second patient is Mr. VXH (53 years old), who is being treated at Phan Vinh Island Infirmary. Previously, Mr. H. had weakness on the right side of his body, a crooked mouth and difficulty speaking.

Through clinical examination, doctors noted that the patient had weakness in the right side of his body and decreased sensation. During an online consultation with Military Hospital 175, the patient was diagnosed with a left-hemisphere stroke, with a risk of progressive brain damage and respiratory failure, and had to be transferred to the mainland for treatment.

The third patient is Mr. TVC (20 years old), who is being treated at the Truong Sa Special Zone Medical Center with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. Mr. C. has severe edema all over his body, high blood pressure, and is at risk of progressive respiratory and heart failure.

On the afternoon of September 30, the 18th Army Corps mobilized the EC-225 VN-8622 helicopter and the air ambulance team of Military Hospital 175, led by Lieutenant, Doctor Nguyen Van Sang, Department of Intensive Care and Anti-Poison, to depart from Tan Son Nhat airport to Truong Sa special zone.

Inside the ambulance helicopter taking 3 patients to the mainland for treatment (Photo: Hospital).

Despite the rain caused by the storm, strong winds and limited visibility, the flight crew landed on the islands one by one to receive the 3 patients. During this process, the air ambulance team from Military Hospital 175 approached the patients one by one, provided emergency treatment and stabilized them so they could be safely transported to the mainland.

According to Dr. Sang, the flight had to receive 3 patients consecutively from 3 different islands, the workload was intense and the pressure was extremely high. In particular, Mr. NTH's case of tuberculous meningitis on Tien Nu Island was very serious. Any change in cabin pressure could increase intracranial pressure, endangering his life.

"The emergency team had to discuss thoroughly with the flight crew, agreeing that the rescue helicopter had to fly at the lowest altitude possible to ensure the patient's safety even if it meant extending the flight time. Every minute in the air was stressful.

But in the end, all three were brought back safely. That is the most important thing," the doctor shared.

Upon arriving at Military Hospital 175, the patients were taken to the Emergency Department, continued to check for injuries, conducted consultations and provided appropriate next treatment directions.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/truc-thang-cap-cuu-xuyen-dem-xe-bao-dua-nguoi-benh-ve-dat-lien-20251001133529899.htm