Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

A medical rescue team in Tak province battled through treacherous terrain for nine hours to save the life of a five-month-old baby suffering from severe breathing difficulties. The mission, carried out by staff from Umphang Hospital, highlighted the challenges faced by emergency medical personnel working in Thailand’s remote regions.

 

The story was shared by the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM), which posted images and details of the arduous journey on its official social media page. The post praised the extraordinary effort of the medical team, led by nurse Woranuch, and others who supported the mission despite extreme conditions.

 

According to the NIEM report, the ambulance became stuck in deep mud for more than four hours while traversing forested terrain to reach a hospital. Despite the setback, the team persisted, ensuring the baby continued receiving oxygen and emergency care throughout the ordeal. The mission ultimately took nine hours before the child safely arrived at the hospital for treatment.

 

The NIEM described the incident as a reflection of the dedication and resilience of healthcare workers serving in isolated communities. It emphasised that such missions are vital for protecting lives in areas where access to medical facilities is limited or hindered by geography.

 

Officials noted that the case underscores the importance of improving infrastructure and resources for rural emergency response teams, many of whom face significant risks while performing their duties. Public comments on the NIEM post expressed admiration for the team’s commitment and called for greater recognition and support for frontline medical staff in remote parts of Thailand.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A medical team from Umphang Hospital spent nine hours rescuing a five-month-old baby in distress.

• The ambulance was stuck in forest mud for four hours but the team continued lifesaving care en route.

• NIEM praised the staff’s dedication, highlighting challenges faced by medical workers in remote areas.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-10-13

 

 

 

 

19 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

The mission, carried out by staff from Umphang Hospital, highlighted the challenges faced by emergency medical personnel working in Thailand’s remote regions.

Nothing more remote than the Australian outback. 

 

Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service uses both planes and helicopters, depending on the mission's location and distance. 

Kudos to these caring professionals well done!!how is the tyke doing now?an update later would be nice 👍 

You'd think the local emergency teams would have a more suitable off-road vehicle... you know .... just in case of an emergency up a flooded dirt track

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

You'd think the local emergency teams would have a more suitable off-road vehicle... you know .... just in case of an emergency up a flooded dirt track

One has to deal with the situation as it is, not what it should/could have been!

 

Great job by those who persevered under very difficult circumstances.

Good work, and a BIG Well Done to the emergency crew who responded to the incident.

On 10/13/2025 at 4:54 AM, SAFETY FIRST said:

Nothing more remote than the Australian outback. 

 

Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service uses both planes and helicopters, depending on the mission's location and distance. 

It is wonderful, IF you have a big flat open area to land your aircraft or helicopter on.

 

In jungle areas that is not such an easy thing to do.

 

The nearest airfield to Umphang is probably a long way back at Mae Sot, and AFAIK the Flying Doctor service is only available in Australia.

 

A 4WD ambulance with off road tyres could have been useful in this case. However vehicles like that are as rare as hens teeth in Thailand and they will certainly not be cheap.

 

Who will pay for it?

 

You?

In cases like this medical authorities should be able to call on the RTA to provide a helicopter.