In its efforts to quickly reach patients with life-threatening conditions and save lives, the Da Nang Emergency Centre 115 has expanded emergency medical services (EMS) network across the city by setting up the so-called 115 satellite stations citywide. Satellite stations open round the clock to handle emergencies with fully equipped medical equipment and experienced medical staff in order to reach the patients in the fastest time possible and provide immediately life-saving interventions for them in the “golden hour that refers the first 60 minutes following traumatic injury.

Staff of the Da Nang Emergency Centre 115 providing emergency care for a tourist who had an accident on the Hai Van Pass and tranferring him to hospital for further treatment. Photo: P.C

The emergency station located in Hoa Vang District recently received a call about a woman in a life-threatening situation in Hoa Ninh Commune, an ambulance was sent to her home where she was assessed by doctors and quickly taken to the Da Nang General Hospital.

The 39-year-old woman who accidentally cut and amputated the tips of her fingers while cutting and pruning acacia trees in the field, was immediately taken to an operating room, where surgeons successfully reattached her severed fingers. Currently, she is in stable condition after finger replantation, and she will be discharged from hospital soon.

Similarly, the Emergency Station located at the Da Nang General Hospital in Hai Chau District has played a good role in saving lives in the inner city.

Doctor Ngo Thi Phuong Thao, the Deputy Director of the Da Nang Emergency Centre 115 and Head of the Hai Chau District Emergency Station highlighted the important role of the central satellite unit in helping patients with the most severe emergencies in order to provide immediate treatment for them, and transport them to hospital for further treatment as fast as possible.

Apart from participating in rescue activities at sea, the Hai Chau District Emergency Station’s staff is available at cultural events and festivals to provide care for emergencies.

Doctor Thao stressed the need for quickly reaching patients with life-threatening conditions to give proper guidance, first aid and treatment to them, as well as transfer them to healthcare facilities as fast as possible in an effort to to help them access timely treatment or surgical care.

Da Nang is among the few localities in Viet Nam to set up satellite emergency stations across the city.

Doctor Tran Cong Thong, the Director of the Da Nang Emergency Centre 115 said that the biggest goal of EMS is to reach patients with life-threatening conditions, and provide care for them as quickly as possible.

 “In the current context, especially the traffic congestion due to the development of vehicles operating on roads, the establishment of satellite emergency stations citywide is the best way to help EMS teams quickly reach patients with life-threatening conditions to save their lives,” said Doctor Thong.

The Da Nang Emergency Centre 115 now has 18 ambulances with 114 staff members. The centre operates around the clock, and its staff take turns working on 3 shifts .

Furthermore, the Da Nang Emergency Centre 115  has coordinated with the municipal Department of Information and Communications to launch an ambulance journey supervision and management utility on DanaMap, Hanhtrinhso or Danang Smart City apps. The utility allows users to book and monitor the operation of ambulances on their smart phones.

Moreover, the installation of the Global Positioning System on ambulances helps EMS teams easily find and reach patients at their required locations in the shortest possible time.

“EMS offers a challenging work environment to individuals looking for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. However, EMS teams provide life-saving care under dangerous and high-pressure conditions as they have a high risk of infectious disease exposure. Our goal is always to reach patients as soon as possible because of saving a life when seconds count. The promptness and professionalism of EMS teams in handling emergencies is the best way to help save lives," remarked Doctor Thong.

Reporting by PHAN CHUNG – Translating by H.L