Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Center II Signs Regulation on Coordination of Remote Medical Consultation and Initial First Aid in Maritime Search and Rescue Operations

On April 14, 2023, the Danang Maritime Search and Recuse Coordiantion Centre (Danang MRCC) and the Da Nang Emergency Center signed a regulation concerning the "Coordination of Remote Medical Consultation and Initial First Aid in Maritime Search and Rescue Operations." The signing ceremony was attended by over 15 officials and employees of the Da Nang Emergency Center, leaders and command teams of Danang MRCC's search and rescue vessels, as well as representatives from the Da Nang Department of Health.

During the ceremony, representatives from both organizations reviewed their duties over the past three years and highlighted the necessity and significance of the new regulation. The agreement aims to improve coordination in receiving and processing maritime search and rescue information and to optimize resource utilization between both units to better meet the needs for remote medical consultation and initial first aid. This initiative directly supports Directive No. 03/CT-BYT issued by the Ministry of Health on March 10, 2023, which focuses on national defense and security in the health sector for 2023.

Mr. Bui Tan Nguyen, Director of Danang MRCC, stated, "Over the years, Danang MRCC and the Da Nang Emergency Center have worked closely together in many maritime search and rescue operations, saving hundreds of lives in critical and dangerous sea conditions, often amid extreme weather. The medical teams from the Da Nang Emergency Center have bravely fulfilled their duties despite rough seas and strong winds. Additionally, when maritime vessels encountered medical emergencies, doctors and medical staff from the Da Nang Emergency Center provided remote consultations and guidance, helping people survive life-threatening situations."

Since early 2020, Danang MRCC has deployed 61 specialized vessels for search and rescue missions. In this collaboration, the Da Nang Emergency Center has sent 32 medical teams equipped with necessary equipment aboard these specialized vessels to respond to medical emergencies. As a result, both units have delivered on-site emergency treatment and intensive medical care, successfully assisting 30 individuals with critical health conditions while at sea, including two foreign nationals. Moreover, doctors from the Da Nang Emergency Center have actively participated in eight search and rescue missions in the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Da Nang Emergency Center also provided crucial support to Danang MRCC, assisting with the effective execution of its political and operational responsibilities during challenging periods.

Mr. Tran Cong Thong, Director of the Da Nang Emergency Center, shared, "Our two units have been cooperating for over 20 years. This collaboration is not merely an obligation but a cherished tradition upheld by our leadership and personnel. Many doctors from the Da Nang Emergency Center have made significant contributions to maritime search and rescue efforts, earning prestigious awards and commendations from the Party and relevant ministries. With a mindset of 'treating patients like family,' our doctors have worked tirelessly alongside SAR vessel crews to carry out effective emergency treatments at sea, stabilize patients, and safely transport them back to shore. Thanks to the support from the leadership and command teams of SAR vessels, medical personnel involved in search and rescue operations enjoy benefits equivalent to those of the vessel crew, reflecting the special attention from higher authorities. This assurance boosts our medical teams' confidence when deployed for maritime rescue missions."

Both organizations finalized the content of the draft regulation after multiple rounds of feedback and revisions. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their collaboration and enhancing the efficiency of maritime search and rescue operations.

Below are some images from the signing ceremony.