A patient in an ambulance with South Sudan Red Cross doctors and Vietnamese peacekeepers. — Photo courtesy of Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 7

BENTIU — Vietnamese peacekeepers deployed with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) delivered back-to-back emergency interventions during a civil–military cooperation event in the town of Bentiu, helping save the lives of two locals in scorching field conditions.

The medical crew from Việt Nam’s Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 7, led by members of its Aero Medical Evacuation Team, was providing routine medical support to the CIMIC activity when the emergencies unfolded.

The first patient, a local woman, collapsed without warning and showed signs consistent with hypocalcemia, including limb rigidity.

Vietnamese medics, working alongside the South Sudan Red Cross, began life-saving treatment on site. After 15 minutes of intensive stabilisation, the woman was transferred by emergency vehicle to Bentiu Hospital for continued care.

The Vietnamese military medical team coordinated with the South Sudan Red Cross to support local people.

Soon after, a local militia member fainted after standing under the sun for an extended period, prompting concerns of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

The Vietnamese team moved him to a shaded area, removed heat-retaining gear, cooled him with fans and provided rehydration. His condition improved within minutes before he was transported to Bentiu Hospital for monitoring.

Both cases occurred in extreme heat and in improvised outdoor conditions, but the Vietnamese medics activated rapid-response protocols immediately, administering life-support measures on the spot.

Several members of the team later accompanied local staff at Bentiu Hospital, providing continuous professional support until both patients were fully stabilised.

Local authorities, Red Cross representatives, and community leaders in Bentiu praised the Vietnamese peacekeepers for their swift response, medical expertise and humanitarian commitment. — VNS