Rescue Teams Moves 200kg Patient to Ayutthaya Hospital on Recovery Truck

Medical and rescue teams in Ayutthaya mobilised on 22 April to transfer a critically ill 200kg patient from Bang Pahan Hospital to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital, covering a distance of more than 15 kilometres. The patient, a 41-year-old man with underlying conditions, required urgent specialist care and constant monitoring during the journey. Due to his weight and condition, a standard ambulance could not be used, prompting the deployment of a large vehicle recovery slide bed truck.

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The Putthaisawan Foundation coordinated with hospital staff to plan the operation, assembling equipment including oxygen tanks and emergency medical devices. The transfer began inside the hospital, where staff carefully moved the unconscious patient onto a stretcher before loading him onto the slide bed vehicle. Medical personnel remained onboard throughout, providing continuous care as the patient relied on a ventilator and was in a critical state.

The convoy, which included police from Bang Pahan station, an ambulance, and foundation vehicles, travelled along the Asian Highway with traffic assistance. Officers stopped vehicles at intersections to ensure a clear route, allowing the convoy to move as quickly and safely as possible. Despite hot weather conditions, all personnel continued their duties to maintain the patient’s stability.

During the journey into the Ayutthaya city area, the patient developed breathing difficulties, forcing the team to halt temporarily. Emergency oxygen was administered and first aid provided before the convoy resumed its journey. The patient was successfully delivered to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital, where a medical team was waiting to receive the case and transfer him immediately to the emergency room.

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Rattaphon Khianrupkru, a representative of the Putthaisawan Foundation, said the organisation responded promptly after receiving the request for support. He confirmed that multiple personnel and specialised equipment were deployed, with extra caution taken due to the patient’s weight and critical condition. He added that road users cooperated well, helping ensure the safe and timely transfer.

Matichon reported that the incident highlights the logistical challenges of transporting severely obese and critically ill patients, requiring coordination between hospitals, rescue teams, and police. It also demonstrates the importance of specialised equipment and planning in emergency medical transfers. The patient remains under close medical supervision.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 23 Apr 2026