Emergency rescue and transport of critically ill fishermen from Song Tu Tay Island to the mainland for treatment

The patient was taken to Military Hospital 175 by helicopter for continued timely treatment.

The patient is N.D.Q (born in 1980), a fisherman who is fishing at sea.

After diving 3 times for over 2 hours each time at a depth of over 40 meters, and boarding the ship for about 30 minutes, the patient showed signs of losing consciousness.

The patient's condition did not improve despite three re-injections on the spot and he was taken to the emergency room at Song Tu Tay Island Infirmary at 6:30 a.m. on September 5 in a deep coma, with no pulse, purple skin, and complete paralysis of both lower limbs.

The patient was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation by doctors and nurses. After about 7 minutes, the patient had a pulse again and consciousness improved somewhat.
The Song Tu Tay Island Infirmary consulted with Military Hospital 175 via Telmedicine and agreed to diagnose type 2 decompression sickness, multiple organ damage with complications of reversible circulatory respiratory arrest, continued treatment with hyperbaric oxygen, intravenous fluids, and corticosteroids.

At 3:30 p.m. the same day, re-evaluation of the patient after the hyperbaric oxygen therapy determined that the response to treatment was poor, organ dysfunction was progressive, the prognosis was very serious, with a risk of aspiration, embolism, and progressive multiple organ failure if not treated specifically at a specialized facility. The patient was recommended to be transferred to a later level by helicopter as soon as possible.

The flight took off from Tan Son Nhat Airport at 9:50 p.m. on September 5 and arrived at Truong Sa Special Zone at 0:40 a.m. to refuel.

Then, move to Song Tu Tay Island. At 2:45 a.m. on September 6, the Air Rescue Team reached the patient on Song Tu Tay Island in a lethargic state, with eyes open but no contact, and unstable respiration and hemodynamics.

The team promptly assessed and provided emergency treatment on the spot, performed anti-shock resuscitation, controlled intubation, stabilized the patient, reported and consulted with the hospital commander, determined that the patient was eligible for air transport and decided to put the patient on the plane.

During the helicopter transport, the emergency team maintained hemodynamic resuscitation measures, continuously monitored vital signs.

The flight landed safely at the helipad of the Orthopedic Institute building - Military Hospital 175 at 10:30 a.m. on September 6.

The patient was transferred directly to the Emergency Department for specialized tests and consultation to make the most accurate diagnosis and continue to receive treatment and intensive care at Military Hospital 175.

Major General, PhD, Doctor, People's Physician Tran Quoc Viet, Director of Military Hospital 175 shared: “Military Hospital 175 affirms that it is always ready to mobilize all resources, means and highly specialized medical staff to provide timely emergency care, protect the health and lives of soldiers and fishermen in the Truong Sa sea area. The timely deployment of air emergency measures, close coordination with units on the island and Army Corps 18 demonstrates a strong commitment to health care, ensuring safety for forces on the front line of the sea and islands”.

KING LE

Source: https://nhandan.vn/cap-cuu-va-van-chuyen-khan-cap-ngu-dan-nguy-kich-tu-dao-song-tu-tay-ve-dat-lien-dieu-tri-post906366.html