A patient from a suburb of Hanoi, admitted to the Emergency Department of Military Hospital 103, was experiencing severe bleeding and lost consciousness.
Doctors diagnosed the patient with gastrointestinal bleeding, characterized by rapid pulse and low blood pressure. The patient was immediately given two units of blood, which helped stabilize their condition.
This case highlights the critical role of timely blood transfusions in saving lives. This was shared by Dr. Nguyễn Văn Tâm, a physician in the Emergency Department of Military Hospital 103, on the sidelines of the 2025 Voluntary Blood Donation Day “Giving the Gift of Crimson,” held at the hospital on April 23rd.
“Fortunately, the patient received the blood transfusion promptly. Even a slight delay could have been life-threatening,” Dr. Tâm said.
As an emergency physician, Dr. Tâm frequently encounters patients requiring immediate blood transfusions, particularly those experiencing bleeding, multiple traumas, or other critical conditions. Without readily available blood, these patients face severe risk of deterioration and death.
Recognizing the crucial importance of blood, Dr. Tâm has volunteered for blood donation over 10 times.
All volunteers participating in the “Giving the Gift of Crimson” program were medical staff from Military Hospital 103 and the Military Traditional Medicine Institute.
According to Dr. Tạ Việt Hưng, Director of the Blood Transfusion and Hematology Center at Military Hospital 103, the program is expected to collect 500 units of blood, which will significantly boost the hospital’s blood reserves and ensure adequate supplies for patient care.
“Blood is a unique resource; it cannot be manufactured. Only donated blood can meet the needs of patients requiring blood transfusions,” Dr. Hưng stressed.
Many medical staff members came to register for blood donation early in the morning. After undergoing a clinical examination and a rapid blood test, eligible volunteers donated blood. Collected blood units undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety before being stored.
Lieutenant Colonel Trần Thị An, who has participated in four blood donation drives, shared her perspective: “In medical practice, blood is a precious resource crucial for saving lives. Activities like this always garner strong support and participation from hospital staff and doctors.”
“To ensure the highest quality blood units are available for the hospital’s blood bank to support patient care, I have prioritized my physical health to be able to participate in the hospital’s blood donation programs,” said Nguyễn Thị Thảo, a nurse in the Emergency Department of Military Hospital 103.
Video: Đoàn Thủy
