Paralyzed legs in critical condition after diving 40 meters underwater

(Dan Tri) - After the third time diving from a depth of more than 40 meters underwater and coming ashore, the man fell into a state of complete paralysis of both lower limbs and a deep, critical coma.

That is the case of Mr. N.D.Q. (45 years old), a fisherman who is fishing at sea.

Taking a medical history, Mr. Q. had previously dived into the sea 3 times (each time over 2 hours), at a depth of over 40 meters. After boarding the boat for about 30 minutes, the patient showed signs of losing consciousness. He was given first aid on the spot 3 times but his condition did not improve.

Military medics rescue a man in critical condition after diving deep (Photo: Hospital).

The patient was transferred to the emergency room at Song Tu Tay Island Infirmary (in Truong Sa special zone) on the morning of September 5 in a state of deep coma, no pulse, purple skin, and complete paralysis of both lower limbs.

After about 7 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the patient's pulse returned and consciousness partially improved.

The medical team of Song Tu Tay Island Infirmary consulted with Military Hospital 175 via Telmedicine, agreeing on the diagnosis of type 2 decompression, multiple organ damage with complications of reversible circulatory respiratory arrest, and continued treatment with hyperbaric oxygen, intravenous fluids, and corticosteroids.

At 3:30 p.m. the same day, it was determined that the patient was responding poorly to treatment, had a very serious prognosis, and was at risk of aspiration, embolism, and progressive multiple organ failure if not treated specifically. The patient was assigned to be transferred to a later level by helicopter as soon as possible.

At 10:15 p.m. on September 5, following orders from the Ministry of National Defense , a helicopter from the 18th Army Corps, along with the Air Rescue Team of the 175th Military Hospital, led by Captain and Doctor Nguyen Canh Chung, rushed to Song Tu Tay Island to bring the fisherman in critical condition back to the mainland for treatment.

The patient was transferred to the mainland for emergency treatment by helicopter (Photo: Hospital).

The helicopter from Tan Son Nhat airport arrived at Truong Sa special zone at dawn to refuel, then moved to Song Tu Tay island and approached the patient at 2:45 a.m. on September 6. At this time, the male fisherman was in a lethargic state, unable to open his eyes when called, and had unstable breathing and blood pressure.

The emergency team promptly assessed and treated the patient on the spot, performed anti-shock resuscitation, controlled intubation, stabilized the patient, and reported and asked for advice from the hospital commander.

Determining that the patient was fit for air transport, the medical staff began loading the patient onto the plane. During the helicopter transport, the Emergency Team maintained hemodynamic resuscitation measures and continuously monitored vital signs.

At 10:30 a.m. on September 6, the flight landed safely at the helipad of the Orthopedic Institute building, Military Hospital 175. The patient was transferred directly to the Emergency Department for specialized tests and consultation to make the most accurate diagnosis for further treatment.

The patient was taken to the emergency room after the helicopter landed on the roof of the 175 Military Hospital building (Photo: BV).

Major General, Dr. Tran Quoc Viet, Director of Military Hospital 175, shared that the unit is always ready to mobilize all resources, means and a team of highly specialized doctors to provide timely emergency care, protecting the health and lives of soldiers and fishermen in the Truong Sa sea area.

"The timely deployment of air rescue measures, close coordination with units on the island and the 18th Army Corps, demonstrates a strong commitment to health care and ensuring the safety of our frontline forces on the islands," said Major General Tran Quoc Viet.

Also on September 6, surgeons from Binh Dan Hospital performed the first endoscopic surgery at Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical Center.

The patient was a 36-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with a fever and abdominal pain and was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Immediately after discovering the above condition, Dr. Ly Bao Duy - the person who directly examined and diagnosed the patient - proactively reported and asked for advice from a distance from the Director of Binh Dan Hospital.

The patient underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at 4 p.m. on September 6. This is one of the first concrete results of the rotating team of specialist doctors working in Con Dao special zone.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/liet-2-chan-nguy-kich-sau-khi-lan-sau-40-met-duoi-bien-20250906194111468.htm