According to the Hanoi-based Bach Mai Hospital, Prof. Mai Duy Ton, director of its Stroke Centre, responded to the incident on May 4 while on flight VN19.
Prof Mai Duy Ton, centre, wearing a grey shirt, poses for a photograph with the flight crew (Photo: Hospital).
About four hours after departure from Noi Bai International Airport, the cabin crew made repeated announcements requesting urgent medical assistance. A foreign male passenger was experiencing ear pain that quickly progressed to facial paralysis on the left side, along with difficulty speaking.
Upon hearing the call, Prof. Ton immediately approached and examined the patient. Based on clinical assessment, he determined the symptoms were consistent with peripheral facial nerve paralysis (Bell’s palsy), rather than an acute stroke.
He administered on-the-spot treatment using corticosteroids he had on hand and advised the crew to continue the flight as planned while monitoring the passenger’s condition.
Before landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport, the patient’s condition had stabilised and vital signs were within safe limits.
The captain of flight VN19 later sent a letter of appreciation to Prof. Mai Duy Ton on behalf of the crew.
