The heartwarming story behind the prison gates.

“In that moment, what moved me most wasn't the pressure of the birth, but the tearful look in the mother's eyes as she held her child in her arms after the 'mother and child are both healthy' moment," recalled Major Kim Thi Niem, an officer at Detention Center No. 1, Hanoi City Police.

On the ambulance, a pregnant woman unexpectedly went into labor en route to the hospital. With no delivery room, insufficient medical equipment, and only a few colleagues to assist, the female doctor from Detention Center No. 1, Hanoi City Police, reassured the pregnant woman while performing the most extraordinary delivery of her life.

The baby let out its first cry as the ambulance left the side gate of Detention Center No. 1. In that moment, all distance between the guards, doctors, and inmates seemed to vanish, leaving only human compassion and the responsibility of the medical professionals… The story of delivering a baby in an ambulance is not only a unique professional situation, but also reveals the humanity behind the prison gates — a place where sharing, love, and the effort to protect life always exist.

This candid photo, taken in the ambulance, captures the moment Major Kim Thi Niem holds the baby in her arms.

Thank you, second mother.

“Thank you to the officers at Detention Center No. 1. Thanks to you all, my mother and I are safe and sound…”, said inmate Ngo Thi Ngan, visibly moved.

The candid photograph taken in the ambulance, capturing the moment Major Kim Thi Niem held a baby in her arms, had a powerful impact… Looking at that picture, we clearly felt the significance of the “Three Best” emulation movement that the Women's Association of Detention Center No. 1 always strives to implement through concrete actions every day. A fleeting moment, but a vivid testament to the “Serving the People” spirit of the members of the Women's Association of Detention Center No. 1. Here, it's no longer about officers and inmates, but about the humanity of the police officers . That is, being the quickest in handling emergency situations; being the most responsible in performing duties; and being the most dedicated to people, even in the unique environment of a detention center.

For Major Kim Thi Niem, the first cries of a newborn baby on that ambulance ride were not only the joy of childbirth but also a beautiful testament to the spirit of "serving the people." This special ambulance ride will become an unforgettable memory for her. Major Kim Thi Niem recalls that in mid-May 2025, after a routine check-up, she discovered that inmate Ngan was in labor. Immediately, she reported to the leadership of Detention Center No. 1 and quickly took Ngan outside for emergency treatment. Just as the ambulance left the camp gate, her night shift ended, and the phone suddenly rang. On the other end was the voice of a camp officer: "The pregnant woman has gone into labor and will give birth right here in the ambulance. Please come and handle this…"

Immediately afterwards, Ms. Niem rushed to the area outside the camp gate. There was no delivery room, no adequate medical equipment, only the responsibility, calmness, and humanity of the officers on duty. With Ms. Niem's ​​support, the baby and mother were both safe and sound. The suspect, Ngan, and her husband were arrested for involvement in the illegal trafficking of narcotics. When arrested, Ngan was 21 weeks pregnant… During her pregnancy, the expectant mother showed many health issues, so Major Kim Thi Niem and the doctors and nurses at Detention Center No. 1 paid special attention to her medical care.

Behind the victories

After graduating from university, Major Kim Thi Niem worked at the People's Police College, then transferred to Detention Center No. 1. Like other doctors and nurses working in detention centers nationwide, her daily work with her colleagues is caring for inmates undergoing rehabilitation. Each job has its own unique characteristics, and perhaps every profession involves silent sacrifices. For Major Kim Thi Niem and her colleagues, these sacrifices might include missed outings, meals that are never complete with everyone present, or the inability to care for sick children…

“As a doctor at a detention center, my work is closely tied to special patients. They are people who have made mistakes… Many people think our work is dry and uninteresting. But few know that behind the police officers in their blue uniforms are touching stories of humanity,” Major Kim Thi Niem shared emotionally, her voice choked with emotion.

One of the most memorable experiences for Dr. Kim Thi Niem was when her child had a high fever while she was on duty… Through the camera, she saw her child lying listlessly on the bed, but not responding when called. Meanwhile, her husband, also a police officer in Hanoi, was also at work that day and couldn't come home. So, after examining dozens of patients, she quickly went outside to make a video call home… At that moment, her young child's question, "When will Mommy come home?", choked her up. She then had to ask a neighbor living next door to come over and help.

The humane actions of the detention center officers are typical of the "Three Best" emulation movement being implemented by the Women's Association of Detention Center No. 1. Amidst the strictness of detention management, the sharing and compassion of female police officers are always present. This serves as vivid proof that the "Three Best" is not just a slogan but is demonstrated through practical actions.

Xuan Mai

Source: https://cand.vn/cau-chuyen-nhan-van-phia-sau-canh-cong-trai-giam-post811694.html