Why is the water rescue center located in Can Gio?

Water rescue boat model fully equipped with medical equipment - Photo: Department of Health

This project approves the establishment of a Waterway Emergency Center (managed by the 115 Emergency Center) on the existing infrastructure of the old Can Gio District Medical Center, to undertake the task of providing emergency care outside the Can Gio district area.

Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and Department of Health hope to develop a waterway emergency model in the most convenient, flexible and effective way to serve the people.

Rescue ship is priority number 1

Why is the water rescue center located in Can Gio? According to the project, Ho Chi Minh City has many rivers and canals, especially Can Gio district adjacent to the sea.

Currently, Can Gio is being invested in to become a tourist , resort and entertainment city; building a deep-water port as a regional and international logistics center.

This is a favorable condition when the waterway transport system will develop diversely with a large volume of ships and boats anchoring and transporting goods, many people coming to live and work, as well as attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

In addition to the above advantages, the establishment of a waterway emergency center located in Can Gio stems from the reality of difficulties and lack of medical care in this only island district of Ho Chi Minh City.

People in Can Gio (including Thanh An island commune) are having to spend a lot of time, money, and even face many dangers due to big waves, strong winds, and lack of means of transportation when going to see a doctor or get medical treatment.

This is why, in an interview with Tuoi Tre Online , Mr. Tang Chi Thuong - Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health - affirmed that investing in a true water ambulance in Thanh An island commune will be the number 1 priority to "ensure equal medical treatment between the mainland and the island commune".

"Therefore, implementing a waterway emergency model is really necessary to provide timely emergency services to people, ensuring sustainable development for Can Gio district and neighboring areas" - the project stated.

How does the emergency center work?

Residents and doctors in Thanh An island commune (Can Gio) are always haunted every time they go to the emergency room or receive intensive treatment. The whole commune has one canoe, which is very dangerous when encountering big waves and strong winds - Photo: DUYEN PHAN

To be effective, the Department of Health, as the focal point, will work with units and localities to develop coordination regulations in organizing water rescue between the out-of-hospital rescue team and other crew members (captain, deputy captain, chief engineer, engineer, sailor, mechanic). In particular, comply with regulations on water traffic and transportation, ensuring the safe transportation of patients.

According to the project approved by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, phase 1 (from 2023 to 2025) will invest in an ambulance ship fully equipped with specialized medical equipment to deploy water rescue activities in Can Gio district. The berth location is the port stationed by the Can Gio District Border Guard.

Develop and promulgate regulations on coordination of water rescue, in which the 115 Emergency Center ensures professional medical tasks, and the City Border Guard on the Can Gio route undertakes the tasks of operating, maintaining, and repairing water rescue vehicles.

In phase 2 (from 2025 onwards), based on the assessment of the results of phase 1, a decision will be made to expand the waterway emergency model in the central area of the city with a berth at Bach Dang wharf. At this time, a specialized ambulance ship will be added, gradually forming a network of waterway emergency stations according to the development needs of the city.

If necessary, additional docks can be added to place satellite water rescue stations according to the city's general planning, especially at hospitals and medical facilities adjacent to rivers.

Who is eligible for water rescue?

According to the project, the condition for emergency treatment by waterway is when the patient is in an emergency situation with life-threatening symptoms on inland waterways, coastal areas, islands and remote areas.

Or the disease is beyond the capacity of the treating medical facility, requiring immediate transfer to lower-level hospitals that road and air ambulances cannot meet.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-sao-trung-tam-cap-cuu-duong-thuy-duoc-dat-tai-can-gio-20240330101156974.htm