CASE STORY: When Seconds Count

In the role as a health staff at Thien Tri Primary-Secondary School (Tien Giang, Vietnam) for 11 years, Ms. My involves diverse responsibilities beyond physical care, including administrative tasks and outdoor support.

On September 27, 2023, during the students' break, as usual, laughter echoed across the schoolyard. Little did she know that this joyous atmosphere would transform into a scene of concern and urgency. 

Phu, a bright 9th-grade student, engrossed in play, suddenly fainted. His friends assisted bringing Phu to the medical room – where Ms. My was checking some documents on her desktop.

A group of students shared her what happened while she removed Phu’s face mask.  She tried to call “Phu! Phu!...” but he did not response. His lips appeared bluish, with some liquid trickling from his mouth, and his eyes kept closed. At least, he was still lightly breathing. Another teacher called the ambulance. 

In that critical moment, the first aid training provided by Save the Children that she had a chance to participate several weeks ago kicked her in. Recalling the importance of air circulation, Ms. My directed the students to position Phu on his side and clearing the area for safer and clean space for better breathing.  She checked his mouth to make sure nothing got stuck inside and wiped out all the liquid left. Then, she loosened his collars while asking other students back to their class.

 Soon after, Phu regained consciousness, bringing relief to the two nearby teachers, though he remained dazed for a while. Promptly, the ambulance came, Phu was transported Phu to the nearby health center for further treatment.

“The first aid skills trainings, supported by Save the Children, is one of the most impressive, useful and practical training courses I have had during the past 11 years at the school, and it helped me save my student’s life.” – Ms. My shared.

* In 2023, Save the Children, partnered with Survival Skills Vietnam, under the project “School Health and Nutrition” (2011-2024) organized a series of intensive first aid trainings, for both project and non-project schools. Each course limits to 20 teachers from primary schools, which ensures the quality of guidance and hand-on coaching. The goal of a first aid training course is to equip participants with the skills and confidence to respond effectively in emergencies until professional medical help arrives. After this course, participants committed to organize sessions at their schools to share with other teachers and school staff.