Vietnamese doctor saves US passenger vomiting blood mid-flight

Do Tien Hai, head of the microsurgery and maxillofacial reconstruction department at the National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology in Ho Chi Minh City, was returning to Vietnam after a business trip in San Francisco when the incident occurred.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper on Wednesday, Hai recalled that the incident took place on flight VN99, which departed at 10:50 pm on August 5 (local time).

About an hour after take-off, crew members called for medical assistance when a male passenger began vomiting food mixed with fresh blood.

Although he initially hesitated because he is a specialist in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery and believed a general physician might be better suited to the situation, he quickly stepped forward to help.

He soon realized that he was the only doctor on board.

Working with an American nurse who was also on the flight, Hai provided emergency care for the passenger while the cabin remained relatively chaotic.

"I thought I was going to assist another doctor with the passenger. I did not expect to be the only doctor who could help the patient at that moment," Hai said.

The passenger appeared panicked, showing symptoms that suggested gastrointestinal bleeding.

However, after careful examination and information from the passenger’s companion, Hai determined the man was suffering from a severe nosebleed caused by ruptured blood vessels in the Kiesselbach's plexus, an area containing a dense network of small blood vessels that is particularly vulnerable to injury.

The bleeding was likely related to changes in air pressure as the aircraft reached high altitude.

Blood had flowed into his stomach, causing nausea and vomiting.

Hai treated the passenger by applying pressure to the nose, checking vital signs, and using ice and cold towels available on the plane to constrict the blood vessels.

Within 15-20 minutes, the bleeding stopped and the passenger stabilized.

The situation was serious enough that the captain considered turning the plane back to San Francisco.

Thanks to Hai’s intervention, the flight continued and landed safely at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City at 4:00 am on August 7.

The passenger remained stable for the rest of the journey.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines later sent a letter of appreciation to Hai for his kindness, professionalism, and willingness to help a passenger experiencing a medical emergency during the flight.