Injured in Vietnam, returned home to Spain

In the field of international medical assistance, each case poses unique challenges that require rapid and coordinated responses. Iris Global, a company specialised in this area, managed a case that illustrates the importance of fast, efficient, and practical assistance in critical situations.

The story began with a desperate call from the partner of a young insured person who had suffered a serious motorbike accident in Hai Duong, Vietnam. The patient, a 26-year-old, had been run over by a van while he was going to buy something close by. Unhelmeted and with serious injuries, he was immediately transferred to the local public hospital.

The seriousness of the craniocerebral injury, multiple rib fractures, and pneumothorax required specialised care that the local hospital could not offer. With the intervention of Iris Global from its Madrid headquarters, immediate action was coordinated.

The importance of communication

From a distance, communication was key. In spite of the linguistic barriers, the local hospital was contacted to obtain information about the state of the patient. The rapid response of our agent in Vietnam allowed a detailed diagnosis to be obtained, which confirmed the seriousness of the situation.

The patient being in a critical state, a decision was made to transfer him to Hanoi French Hospital in the capital, which had the required specialties to treat him: an intensive care unit (ICU) and neurosurgery. The patient’s partner was informed of every step, and it was made sure that she would accompany her partner during the transfer.

Once in Hanoi, an emergency surgery was performed to remove bilateral subdural haematoma and pneumothorax. Although he was initially stabilised, the situation was still delicate, and the repatriation of the patient to Spain by air ambulance was proposed.

The trip back to Spain

The coordination between the Vietnamese medical team and the receiving hospital team in Bilbao, Spain, was essential. All the necessary conditions for the transfer were prepared, including arrangements for a necessary tracheostomy and adaption of the patient for the air ambulance transfer.

After 13 days of intense medical care in Vietnam, the patient was returned to Spain. The transfer, which was meticulously planned, was completed smoothly thanks to the logistical support provided by Iris Global and its supply partners.

Continuing treatment in Spain

Once in Bilbao, the patient was received by a medical team that was prepared to continue his treatment. Despite the ongoing challenges, including the need to return part of the cranium back to its place after resolution of the cerebral oedema, the patient overcame the most critical stage thanks to timely and coordinated assistance.

This real case highlights the importance of having an efficient and professional international medical assistance service. In emergencies, every minute counts, and rapid response capabilities may make a difference when it comes to life or death. Iris Global and its partner network proved their commitment to quality care and the safety of patients all around the world.