Unexpected situation in mid-air
On the night of May 4, 2026, on flight VN19 from Hanoi to Paris (France), an emergency occurred when the plane was at cruising altitude. After about 4 hours of flight, the loudspeaker system continuously broadcast a call for medical assistance. A foreign male passenger suddenly showed abnormal symptoms: ear pain, then quickly paralyzed half of his left face, difficulty speaking and limited communication.
At an altitude of tens of thousands of meters, when medical conditions are extremely limited, this situation makes both the flight crew and passengers worried. If not handled promptly, the plane may be forced to divert and make an emergency landing at the nearest airport.
Accurate diagnosis, timely treatment
Immediately upon receiving the notification, Prof. Dr. Mai Duy Ton - Director of the Stroke Center, Bach Mai Hospital - who was on the flight, immediately approached and examined the patient.
Through clinical examination, doctors determined that this was not an acute stroke as initially feared, but a peripheral VII cranial nerve paralysis (face paralysis). This accurate assessment is decisive, because it helps eliminate the risk of stroke - a condition that requires emergency intervention and may be forced to land.
The doctor used the corticoid medicine he brought to treat it on the spot, and at the same time advised the captain to continue the journey. Thanks to that, flight VN19 still maintained the route, avoiding unnecessary disruptions.
Before landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport, the passenger situation was stable, safety indicators.
Immediately after the incident, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Xuan Co - Director of Bach Mai Hospital - expressed his appreciation for the sense of responsibility and professionalism of Prof. Dr. BS Mai Duy Ton.
He emphasized that this action not only demonstrates the capacity of the Vietnamese medical team but also spreads the humanistic values of doctors: always ready to support the community, in any circumstances.
The representative of the flight crew of flight VN19 also sent a thank-you letter to the doctor.
From France, Prof. Dr. Mai Duy Ton shared that each medical staff member when participating in community activities needs to always be proactive and ready to respond to emergency situations, contributing to protecting the safety of everyone around.
