Traditional Tet is the busiest travel period of the year—returning home, sightseeing, long-distance trips, and frequent movement.
As a result, emergencies during travel occur more often, and they often happen far from medical facilities.

• Minor traffic accidents
• Falls while sightseeing or climbing
• Bleeding, collisions, dizziness, or fatigue on the road

In these situations, the people travelling together become the first responders.

Common Emergencies During Tết Travel

• Minor traffic accidents, vehicle collisions, motorcycle falls
• Slips and falls, especially in crowded tourist areas
• Bleeding, abrasions, and soft tissue injuries
• Dizziness, fatigue, low blood pressure, motion sickness, dehydration due to long journeys
• Chest pain or breathing difficulties in people with underlying medical conditions

Initial response decisions can significantly affect the severity of injury and recovery.

Essential First Aid Skills to Know When Travelling

1. In Case of a Traffic Accident or Collision

• Ensure scene safety before approaching the victim
• Perform a quick assessment: consciousness – breathing – bleeding
• Call emergency medical services early if there are serious signs
• Do not rush to pull or carry victims out of vehicles unless there is immediate danger
• Avoid crowding the scene and creating traffic hazards

2. When There Is Bleeding or an Open Wound

• Apply direct pressure to control bleeding
• Cover with clean gauze or a clean cloth
• Monitor for signs of shock if bleeding is heavy
• Do not aggressively clean deep wounds
• Do not apply bandages too tightly, which may restrict circulation

 3. After a Fall or When a Sprain or Fracture Is Suspected

• Limit movement of the injured area
• Immobilize temporarily if possible
• Transport the victim to a medical facility for evaluation
• Do not attempt to realign bones
• Do not underestimate the injury or “push through and keep going”

4. When a Travel Companion Feels Dizzy, Exhausted, or Carsick

• Allow the person to rest in a cool, well-ventilated area
• Provide fluids if they are conscious and alert
• Monitor consciousness and breathing

Call for medical assistance if:

• There is difficulty breathing or chest pain
• The person is confused, drowsy, or not fully alert
• Symptoms do not improve after rest 

Quick Checklist – Initial Response Based on Safety Guidelines

What to Do

• Ensure personal and scene safety
• Perform a rapid assessment of the victim
• Control bleeding
• Call medical assistance when necessary

Common Mistakes

• Moving the victim too quickly when a serious injury is suspected, especially neck or spinal injuries
• Acting based on emotion without proper initial assessment
• Underestimating symptoms that “seem mild”

Prepare Before Travelling to Respond Calmly and Correctly

• Carry a basic personal first aid kit
• Save emergency contact numbers in advance
• Ensure at least one person in the group has basic first aid knowledge

When travelling far from medical facilities, access to professional care may be delayed.
Basic first aid knowledge becomes the first line of protection for you and your companions.

Proper action in the first few minutes can significantly reduce injury severity and risks.