Late on May 4, aboard flight VN19 en route to France, a medical emergency unfolded while the aircraft was cruising at altitude. Around four hours after takeoff, the cabin crew issued a call for medical assistance for a foreign male passenger who initially complained of ear pain before rapidly developing facial paralysis on the left side and difficulty speaking.

The situation quickly raised concern among passengers and crew alike. At such altitude, any critical decision could directly impact the patient’s survival and might even force the aircraft to make an emergency landing.

Fortunately, Professor and Doctor Mai Duy Ton, Director of the Stroke Center at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, was on board. He immediately stepped in to assess the patient.

After conducting a clinical evaluation, he determined that the condition was not an acute stroke, but rather peripheral facial nerve paralysis involving the seventh cranial nerve. Based on this diagnosis, he administered treatment on the spot using corticosteroid medication he had brought with him.

He also advised the flight crew to continue the journey as planned, ruling out the need for an emergency diversion.

Following the timely intervention, the patient’s condition gradually stabilized. By the time the aircraft landed safely at Charles de Gaulle Airport in France, all vital indicators were reported to be within safe limits.

Upon receiving the report from France, Associate Professor and Doctor Dao Xuan Co, Director of Bach Mai Hospital, expressed his appreciation and admiration for the doctor’s swift and responsible action.

“This act not only demonstrates the professional excellence of our medical team but also embodies the spirit of dedication to public health,” he said.

Phuong Thuy