26-8-2024 (HO CHI MINH CITY) In a remarkable display of coordination and urgency, Ho Chi Minh City’s traffic police orchestrated a critical mission on 25 August to transport a donated heart from Tan Son Nhat Airport to the University Medical Centre.
The journey, while relatively short in distance, presented significant challenges due to peak-hour traffic congestion and unfavourable weather conditions. However, meticulous planning and seamless collaboration between various units ensured the precious cargo reached its destination swiftly, allowing for a life-saving transplant operation to proceed without delay.
Prior to the mission, Ho Chi Minh City’s traffic police and the University Medical Centre engaged in detailed discussions to outline the timing, route, and transportation strategy. Under the guidance of the Traffic Police Department (PC08) command, officers were strategically positioned at every intersection along the predetermined route. Their presence guaranteed uninterrupted green lights, enabling the convoy to proceed without hindrance.
The police force deployed an impressive array of resources, including dozens of specialised motorcycles and nearly 50 officers from four operational units. This was complemented by support from the University Medical Centre, which provided two ambulances, two administrative vehicles, and a medical team comprising doctors and staff from both Viet Duc Hospital in Hanoi and the local University Medical Centre.
The convoy’s success was a testament to the city’s ability to mobilise rapidly in times of medical urgency. The leadership of the University Medical Centre expressed heartfelt gratitude to the traffic police for their timely and effective assistance in this critical mission.
This life-saving journey began with a tragic accident. N.D.T., a 32-year-old man, was admitted to Saint Paul General Hospital following a severe traffic incident. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, T. was diagnosed as brain-dead. In a moment of profound grief and altruism, T.’s family made the difficult decision to donate his organs.
T.’s heart was destined for a patient at the University Medical Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, while his liver offered a new lease on life to a critically ill patient at Viet Duc Hospital in Hanoi. His kidneys were transplanted at Saint Paul General Hospital, and his corneas will restore sight to a patient at the 108 Central Military Hospital.
