Night Helicopter Evacuation Brings Two Critically Ill Patients from Spratly Islands to Mainland

In a remarkable display of dedication and capability, Vietnam's military medical forces, in coordination with the Vietnam People's Navy Air Force, successfully executed a critical nighttime medical evacuation mission. Two critically ill patients, a fisherman and a construction worker, were airlifted from the remote Spratly Islands to the mainland for urgent treatment, showcasing the nation's commitment to safeguarding the health of its citizens, even in the most challenging circumstances.

The first patient, identified as T.C.L., a 44-year-old fisherman from Quang Ngai province, suffered a severe fall while working on his vessel. Initially treated at the Song Tu Tay Island medical station for left arm and shoulder stiffness, his condition rapidly deteriorated, developing symptoms of generalized convulsions and a high risk of respiratory failure due to suspected tetanus. Doctors at the island clinic, recognizing the severity and limitations of their facility, initiated telemedicine consultations with the 175 Military Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

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This was an extremely difficult airborne emergency mission. The flight time was long, and throughout the transport, the airborne emergency team coordinated with the flight crew, flying at a low altitude, continuously monitoring to ensure the safety of the patient with forehead, facial, and throat injuries, avoiding the risk of cerebral edema.

The second patient, 19-year-old V.V.V. from Thanh Hoa province, a construction worker, sustained devastating injuries to his forehead, face, and left hand in a serious workplace accident. He was initially attended to at the Nam Yet Island medical station, but again, the severity of his injuries, including potential cerebral edema, exceeded the local capacity. Following remote consultations with the 175 Military Hospital, an emergency evacuation was deemed necessary.

Under the command of the Ministry of National Defence, a Mi-17 helicopter from Air Transport Squadron 18, crewed by Captain Cao Van Cong, and a medical team from the 175 Military Hospital, led by Captain Le Viet Thang, launched from Tan Son Nhat Airport. Battling challenging nighttime conditions and navigating between two distant islands, the team successfully reached both patients and transported them safely back to the mainland by 00:30 on May 19. Captain Thang described the mission as "extremely difficult," highlighting the extended flight time, low-altitude flying, and constant monitoring required to ensure the patients' stability. This operation underscores Vietnam's advanced capabilities in remote medical care and its unwavering resolve to protect its people, no matter how far they are from the mainland.

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For the patient diagnosed with generalized surgical tetanus, we monitored and controlled it well, avoiding the risk of prolonged seizures, while also being ready with accompanying specialists to perform a tracheotomy if the patient's condition worsened.