Responding to an emergency request from neighboring Laos, a team of Vietnamese doctors traveled more than 100 kilometers to deliver critical care to a premature infant in respiratory distress. Their cross-border lifesaving effort has just been officially recognized with a provincial commendation.

On July 21, Pham Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee, signed a decision awarding certificates of merit to three medical departments and three individual doctors from Hoang Anh Gia Lai University Medical Center. The team was honored for their exceptional performance in emergency response, effective treatment, and contribution to saving multiple lives.

The recognized departments include the Pediatrics Department, the Department of Neurosurgery - Orthopedic Trauma, and the Department of Surgery - Anesthesia and Resuscitation.

The individual honorees are Dr. Tran Minh Tuan, MD (Department of Neurosurgery - Orthopedic Trauma); Dr. Duong Tuan Anh, MD (Department of Surgery - Anesthesia and Resuscitation); and Dr. Pham Vo Cong, MSc (Pediatrics Department).

The emergency unfolded when the hospital’s external rescue team received a critical call requesting urgent medical aid for a premature infant born at 35 weeks in Attapeu Province, Laos. The baby was suffering from severe respiratory distress.

The Vietnamese team immediately mobilized and traveled over 100 kilometers to the Bo Y International Border Gate (in Quang Ngai Province, near the Vietnam-Laos border) to assist.

Upon examination, the baby was found to weigh only 1.9 kilograms, breathing rapidly and laboriously, with peripheral cyanosis and an inability to feed. The doctors provided emergency stabilization, including thermal insulation, respiratory support, intravenous fluid administration, and preparation for transport.

The infant was then rushed by ambulance to the Pediatrics Department for advanced treatment and monitoring.

After intensive care, the baby has now passed the critical stage and is in stable condition.

Tran Hoan