Spreading the good deeds of Ho Chi Minh City youth

For many years, the 911 volunteer traffic rescue team in Thu Duc ward (Ho Chi Minh City) has become a trusted "address", supporting thousands of people in distress.

Sow faith through chivalrous deeds

For the past 8 years, the 911 traffic rescue team, founded by Nguyen Hoang Kim Ngan (born in 1994), has been tirelessly traveling on the roads to rescue victims.

Although young, the rescue team members have a generous spirit, wholeheartedly serving the community, even without salary or remuneration, with only a very simple wish, which is to help victims receive timely treatment.

Nguyen Hoang Kim Ngan, founder and maintainer of the 911 traffic rescue team.

As the initiator and founder of the 911 traffic rescue team, Nguyen Hoang Kim Ngan emotionally shared: “In 2012, my second sister had a traffic accident and passed away. At that time, I only wished that if someone had arrived in time, maybe she wouldn’t have passed away.”

In 2017, Ngan decided to set up the 911 traffic rescue team, with the desire to support victims and reduce casualties in accidents. Initially, the team had 18 members, including 2 women and 16 men, who were young people with various jobs: workers, shippers, office workers... During the day, they went to work, and at night they put on reflective vests, carried first aid kits, and patrolled the roads.

At around 8pm every day, the team gathers to prepare to rescue victims on the road.

“We operate on a voluntary basis. From medical supplies, bandages to disinfectants, everything is donated by the team members, and occasionally supported by the people. At first, the team's activities encountered many difficulties, because it was a spontaneous group, people were often suspected when approaching the accident scene. Many people did not believe we were volunteers, and sometimes they even hindered us,” Kim Ngan recalled.

But with perseverance and sincerity, the 911 team gradually asserted its role. After a year of operation, people began to get used to the image of the rescue team present at night, promptly providing first aid and support to victims.

“Now, whenever there is an accident, people immediately call 911. Sometimes when we receive a call in the middle of the night, our team still immediately gets in the car, just hoping to save people,” Ngan added.

Ngan remembers the incident on March 8, 2019, on Rach Chiec bridge: “That day was International Women's Day, we received a call about an accident. An uncle was taking his niece home from school and fell, injuring his head. The team promptly provided first aid and took the uncle to the hospital. Three years later, the victim's daughter contacted the team again, giving them 3 million VND and a thank you. She said that thanks to the team's help, her father was saved. The gift was small, but it touched us deeply, because we felt our work was recognized,” Ngan recounted.

However, the work is not always smooth. There are times when the team has to deal with drunken situations, uncooperative victims, and even “fake accidents” to seize property.

“At that time, we just knew to stay calm, avoid conflict and report to the authorities. Luckily, at that time, there were people around to support and keep the victim's vehicle,” Ngan said.

The "white coat knights" in everyday life

Not only Kim Ngan, team 911 has many young members with different stories, but they share the same ideals and the chivalrous, loyal spirit of youth.

Khanh Duy (right cover) has been with the 911 traffic rescue team for more than 5 years.

The team regularly gathers at the intersection of Pham Van Dong and To Ngoc Van, Thu Duc ward ( Ho Chi Minh City).

Khanh Duy (23 years old) has been in the team for 5 years, said: “At first, I only participated in the youth union work in the ward. Seeing Ms. Ngan giving first aid and treating wounds for people in traffic accidents, I was curious. After witnessing it a few times, I realized that this is a very meaningful job. I learned many first aid skills and know how to help people be safer.”

Quoc Toan (born 2001) learned about the team when he sold grilled sausages near the gathering place. “At first, I often saw the team running back and forth, so I wondered what they were doing. One time, when the team was supporting people in an accident and lacked supplies, I lent them a few cardboard boxes to help fix the arm of a victim with a broken bone. From then on, I learned that they were a volunteer team. Therefore, I started supporting the team from 2024 until now, mainly helping with traffic flow and communication, calling more brothers and sisters to support when needed,” Toan shared.

Upon receiving a distress call from the public, members of the 911 team immediately set out to respond.

For every member of the 911 traffic rescue team, saving people is a joy and happiness.

Although they are female, Ngan and Trang always complete life-saving tasks as well as male members.

Huyen Trang (25 years old) is a female member who has been with the team since the early days. Her hometown is Dong Nai . Every night, Trang drives more than 30 km to Thu Duc to work with the team. “When I was 17-18 years old, I only joined out of curiosity. But when I personally saved people, I found this job so meaningful that I have been with it for 8 years now,” Trang shared.

Notably, in 2024, the 911 team was recognized by the People's Committee and the Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City as a "Silent and noble example" in the city's patriotic emulation movement. "That award is not only for the team but also for all the people who have trusted and accompanied us," Ngan said emotionally.

After many hardships, the 911 volunteer traffic rescue team has now become more effective. Every year, members are also trained in professional first aid with the support of volunteer doctors.

Members attended to provide first aid to a road accident victim.

After completing the victim support and handing over to the family at the hospital, the 911 team members were able to leave with peace of mind.

Vo Thanh Duy, the owner of a coffee shop near the gathering place of the team, shared: “I have known the team for more than two years. Every night I see you guys going out to save people and I feel so sorry for you. Your work is very meaningful and helps a lot in life. I think young people should learn the spirit of the 911 team.”

I just hope that everyone will be more aware when participating in traffic, do not drink alcohol, do not speed or overtake recklessly. And if you see someone in an accident, call the rescue team or the nearest authorities. A small action can save a life.

“We are not heroes, we are just ordinary people who want to do good things. If everyone contributes their part, society will have less suffering,” Kim Ngan shared.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/van-de-quan-tam/lan-toa-nhung-viec-lam-tu-te-cua-thanh-nien-tp-ho-chi-minh-20251008205936160.htm