Driver Nguyen Tan Trung assists in transporting emergency patients at Thoi Hoa Ward Medical Station, O Mon District.
To operate effectively, localities with the model of "Community-based humanitarian ambulance" have established a free ambulance management board, along with a rotating force of drivers. The vehicles use the logo of the Red Cross Society, and do not collect any fees or remuneration from patients and their relatives (except in cases where families voluntarily support). Members are Red Cross members and volunteers who voluntarily drive without receiving subsidies. Charity ambulance trips are increasingly spreading humane values, attracting many benefactors to contribute money to buy vehicles and support fuel costs for the model to develop.
Up to now, Can Tho City has 48 humanitarian ambulances directly operated and managed by the Red Cross Society. Among them, there is 1 Toyota HIACE ambulance donated by the Government of the Kingdom of Oman to the Government of Vietnam, worth 1.335 billion VND, for the Red Cross Society of Can Tho City to carry out humanitarian missions in the city.
According to the Red Cross Associations in Can Tho City, the charity ambulances managed by the unit have brought about practical results. On average, each year, the ambulances transport over 9,500 patients for free, with an estimated cost of VND 3,414 billion. In the first 4 months of 2025 alone, 2,566 poor patients were transferred for free, with a service value equivalent to VND 1,304 billion. Thereby, contributing to reducing the cost of hospital transfer for poor patients and providing timely treatment in emergency cases.
Currently, the O Mon District Red Cross Society is managing 10 vehicles in 6 wards, with 6 community-based charity ambulance management boards with 72 volunteers. The model is highly effective, always receiving the attention of local authorities and the sympathy and sharing of the community inside and outside the district, and philanthropists. Ms. Ngo Thi Ut Hau, Vice President of the O Mon District Red Cross Society, said: "In the first 5 months of 2025, the ambulances provided free transportation to 617 poor patients, worth 97.91 million VND. The District Red Cross Society hopes to continue to receive regular support from organizations, individuals and philanthropists...".
For nearly 10 years, participating in the free medical transport team in Thoi An ward, then transferred to Thoi Hoa ward, O Mon district, Mr. Nguyen Tan Trung in Hoa An area, Thoi Hoa ward, shared: "On average, each month I transport about 20 cases of patients with difficult circumstances to hospitals safely. On the way to transport patients or return to the empty car, if I encounter an accident victim or a traffic accident, I directly provide first aid, if the victim is seriously injured, I take them to the emergency room."
Promoting the effectiveness of the model of "Community-based humanitarian transport vehicles", Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thu, Vice President of the Can Tho City Red Cross Association, shared: "In the coming time, the City Association will direct the Red Cross Associations at all levels to strictly manage and use vehicles in accordance with regulations; consolidate and develop the volunteer force; organize training in first aid, safe driving skills and community communication for drivers and volunteers. Strengthen communication, call for contributions from organizations, individuals and businesses through the following forms: fuel sponsorship, vehicle maintenance, financial support, provision of vehicles to replace vehicles that are about to expire, continue to carry out the humanitarian work of the Association. At the same time, coordinate with the health sector, police and local authorities to ensure quick and safe patient transfers".
Article and photos: XUAN DAO
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nang-mot-chu-tinh--a187649.html
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