Paralysis of both legs in critical condition after diving 40 meters deep under the sea

(Dan Tri) - After the third time diving to a depth of more than 40 meters underwater, the man fell into a state of complete paralysis of both lower limbs and a deep, critical coma.

That is the case of Mr. N.D.Q. (45 years old), a fisherman who is fishing at sea.

Taking a medical history, Mr. Q. had previously dived into the sea 3 times (each time for over 2 hours), at a depth of over 40 meters. After boarding the ship for about 30 minutes, the patient showed signs of losing consciousness, and was given first aid on the spot 3 times but his condition did not improve.

Military medics rescue a man in critical condition after diving deep (Photo: Hospital).

The patient was transferred to the emergency room at Song Tu Tay Island Infirmary (in Truong Sa special zone) on the morning of September 5 in a deep coma, with no pulse, purple skin, and complete paralysis of both lower limbs.

After about 7 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the patient's pulse returned and consciousness improved somewhat.

The medical team of Song Tu Tay Island Infirmary consulted with Military Hospital 175 via Telmedicine, agreeing to diagnose the patient with type 2 decompression, multiple organ damage with complications of reversible circulatory respiratory arrest, continuing treatment with hyperbaric oxygen, intravenous fluids, and corticosteroids.

At 3:30 p.m. the same day, it was determined that the patient had a poor response to treatment, a very serious prognosis, with a risk of aspiration, embolism, and progressive multiple organ failure if not treated specifically. The patient was assigned to be transferred to a lower level by helicopter as soon as possible.

At 10:15 p.m. on September 5, in compliance with orders from the Ministry of National Defense , a helicopter from the 18th Corps, along with the Air Rescue Team of Military Hospital 175, led by Captain and Doctor Nguyen Canh Chung, rushed to Song Tu Tay Island to bring the fisherman in critical condition back to the mainland for treatment.

The patient was transferred to the mainland for emergency treatment by helicopter (Photo: Hospital).

The helicopter from Tan Son Nhat airport arrived at Truong Sa special zone at dawn to refuel, then moved to Song Tu Tay island and approached the patient at 2:45 a.m. on September 6. At this time, the male fisherman was in a lethargic state, unable to open his eyes when called, and had unstable breathing and hemodynamics.

The emergency team promptly assessed and treated the patient on the spot, performed shock resuscitation, controlled intubation, stabilized the patient, and reported and asked for advice from the hospital commander.

Determining that the patient was fit for air transport, the doctors and nurses began loading the patient onto the plane. During the helicopter transport, the emergency team maintained hemodynamic resuscitation measures and continuously monitored vital signs.

At 10:30 a.m. on September 6, the flight landed safely at the helipad of the Orthopedic Institute building, Military Hospital 175. The patient was transferred directly to the Emergency Department for specialized tests and consultation to make the most accurate diagnosis for continued treatment.

The patient was taken to the emergency room after the helicopter landed on the roof of the building of Military Hospital 175 (Photo: BV).

Major General, Dr. Tran Quoc Viet, Director of Military Hospital 175, shared that the unit is always ready to mobilize all resources, means and highly specialized medical staff to provide timely emergency care, protecting the health and lives of soldiers and fishermen in the Truong Sa sea area.

"The timely deployment of air rescue measures, close coordination with units on the island and the 18th Army Corps, demonstrates a strong commitment to health care and ensuring the safety of our frontline forces on the islands," said Major General Tran Quoc Viet.

Also on September 6, surgeons from Binh Dan Hospital performed the first endoscopic surgery at Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical Center.

The patient was a 36-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with fever and abdominal pain and was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Immediately after discovering the above condition, Dr. Ly Bao Duy - the person who directly examined and diagnosed the patient - proactively reported and asked for advice remotely from the Director of Binh Dan Hospital.

The patient underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at 4 p.m. on September 6. This is one of the first concrete results of the rotating team of specialist doctors working in Con Dao special zone.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/liet-2-chan-nguy-kich-sau-khi-lan-sau-40-met-duoi-bien-20250906194111468.htm