Victim of fire at motel that killed 2 people in HCMC: "When I was rescued, I knew I was still alive"

Saved by firefighters

Coming out of death's door, Mr. B.P.A.K (23 years old, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, being treated at Military Hospital 175) still cannot believe that he survived the fire that killed 2 people.

According to Mr. V., while he was living in his rented room with his friend this morning (December 27), he suddenly heard a shout of “fire” so he rushed to the door to check. At this time, smoke had filled the room. He immediately went back in, using a wet cloth from the bathroom to cover his mouth to avoid inhaling the toxic smoke.

After that, he and his friend tried to run outside to escape. However, the smoke covered everything, blocking their vision and making it impossible for them to find their way. Mr. V. and his friend were forced to go into another room and continue to soak towels in water in the hope of surviving.

“At that time, we were very panicked. Sitting in the bathroom of another room, we were both very tired and had difficulty breathing. About 10 minutes later, we were rescued by a firefighter. Only then did I know I was still alive,” Mr. V. shared.

The two remaining patients who were lucky to be saved were V.Q.B. (25 years old) and T.M.T. (25 years old).

Doctor Hoang Tran Ba ​​- Department of Burns - Plastic Surgery, Military Hospital 175 - said that these patients were lucky not to have their skin burned by the fire. However, all 3 people admitted to the hospital showed signs of respiratory burns, sore throats, and singed nose hairs. The patients are currently receiving active treatment.

Major, BSCKII Pham Thi Mai - Department of Burns - Plastic Surgery, Military Hospital 175, added that for patients affected by fires, especially house fires, they often inhale smoke and dust. This type of smoke has a very high temperature, increasing the risk of respiratory burns. Patients with respiratory burns can lead to respiratory failure, in many cases requiring immediate intubation, otherwise their lives will be in danger.

Early laryngoscopy helps assess the extent of damage, thereby determining appropriate treatment.

“For these 3 patients with respiratory burns, after endoscopy, we placed pneumatic shock absorbers to help them recover faster. Emergency and treatment require a multimodal approach, combining specialties such as respiratory, burns, and resuscitation to come up with the most effective treatment regimen,” said Dr. Mai.

Climb to the roof to escape

At the Tang Nhon Phu B Ward Medical Station (Thu Duc City), a male student at U.T.Q (21 years old), who lived in the burnt-out boarding house, recounted that at the time of the fire, he was sleeping and suddenly heard a noise, accompanied by a burning smell. When he opened the door, he saw thick black smoke.

Immediately, Mr. Q closed the door and found his phone to call the homeowner. "After that, I quickly ran up to the roof as instructed by the homeowner," he said. According to Mr. Q, when he got to the roof, there were 2 people up there who heard his cry for help, they responded and all 3 of them "fortified" on the roof.

“After sitting there for about 30 minutes, the fire police came up to help all three people down, then took them to the medical station for a health check,” Mr. Q recounted.

A representative of the Tang Nhon Phu B Ward Medical Station said that they had received 7 people in the fire at the motel in the area. After initial examination, 4 people were transferred to the Eastern Military Hospital in serious condition, 3 people remained in mild condition, with stable health.

"We will support all hospital fees for the 3 patients being examined here," said a representative of the Tang Nhon Phu B Ward Medical Station.