Physician Dương Tiến Cần (proper) takes care of a participant in the course of the AFF U23 Championship. Photograph of VFF
PHNOM PENH — Physician Dương Tiến Cần had a excessive temperature and cough, and a check proved his suspicions – he was a COVID-19 affected person. However Cần couldn’t relaxation for he nonetheless had work to do, caring for the U23 soccer gamers who gained the AFF Championship title on Saturday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Cần was one among two docs assigned to comply with the U23 staff. He labored on a spread of points, corresponding to coping with injured gamers and serving to with restoration after gruelling video games. His purpose is to get gamers again in motion as rapidly and as safely as potential.
However on this working journey, other than his regular duties, Cần needed to cope with a giant drawback; the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected many gamers.
“We mentioned the matter earlier than we left for Cambodia, however I couldn’t think about that it will unfold so quick amongst our staff,” stated Cần, whose second son was born a couple of days in the past in Hà Nội.
The docs’ day began at 6am after they sanitised the lodge space the place the Việt Nam staff keep. They needed to clear the elevator and the steps that led gamers from their rooms to the restaurant.
They stored reminding gamers to maintain a protected distance and recommended meals which are good for his or her physique.
Additionally they took cost of doing fast exams for gamers, as soon as each three days.
However they may not cease COVID-19 from attacking the staff. The primary gamers examined constructive on February 17, just some days after the staff landed in Phnom Penh.
The docs’ workload elevated. They needed to proceed their regular duties whereas finishing up a care programme for the sick members.
“It was a extremely huge fear as a result of extra circumstances would come out quickly. Our obligation was doubled. We needed to care for gamers on the sphere, giving them power drinks, making ready ice packs and giving therapy to gamers’ accidents. Then, we ready drugs and conventional herbs and meals for the sufferers. We had been overloaded with work,” stated Cần, who himself examined constructive 10 days later.
Cần nevertheless couldn’t relaxation – virtually 30 sufferers wanted him.
He was not allowed to work on the sphere however he took care of gamers on the lodge and supported his colleague by cellphone when mandatory.
Physician Dương Tiến Cần (first row, second from proper) poses for images with athletes on the 2019 SEA Video games within the Philippines.
“It was essentially the most memorable journey. Fortunately, we obtained assist and encouragement from the Việt Nam Soccer Federation, Việt Nam Anti-Doping Company, and the staff’s teaching board. We had been drained however knew that it was a nationwide job so we needed to do our greatest,” stated Cần, who didn’t inform his spouse in regards to the state of affairs.
“Gamers’ robust dedication and their iron mindset to play for Việt Nam moved me. They obtained accidents, they had been exhausted however they didn’t hand over. We, the docs, additionally fought laborious,” he stated.
He added that being a sports activities physician is an excellent occupation, as a result of he typically stands within the background, witnessing first-hand the good moments of victory. Medical doctors usually are not an essential a part of the event however not many individuals have the prospect to see the nationwide flag flying excessive and sing the nationwide anthem along with successful athletes.
F0 caring for F0
Final month, physician Trần Thị Trinh of the ladies’s soccer staff was additionally in the identical state of affairs.
Physician Trần Thị Trinh cooks Vietnamese meals for the ladies’s soccer gamers whereas they competed on the Indian Asian Cup 2022. Photograph of Trần Thị Trinh
She adopted the staff to Spain for a coaching camp after which to India for the Asian Cup, which noticed Việt Nam overcome a COVID storm to earn a spot on the 2023 World Cup.
“My most memorable second was when 14 gamers examined destructive and had been allowed to fly from Spain to India. All of us cried with happiness,” Trinh stated.
“COVID-19 attacked our staff. Seven gamers and two docs examined constructive after the final pleasant match in Spain. We had been shocked to listen to the information. Nevertheless, we didn’t take into consideration ourselves, however gamers.
“We frightened as a result of they’d excessive temperatures and coughed rather a lot. It will strongly have an effect on their lungs and should trigger respiratory failure. Fortunately, as sportswomen they’d physique and rapidly recovered,” stated Trinh.
In India, Trinh and her colleague additionally labored as cooks to prepare dinner Vietnamese meals to verify of the diet regime for gamers.
“Gamers recovered however they had been nonetheless weak, and so might be simply injured on the sphere. The diets of the gamers additionally didn’t have beef and pork, in order that they lacked good dietary meals. We needed to prepare dinner for them,” Trinh stated.
Trinh stated it was a troublesome journey however she’s going to always remember it.
Physician Trần Thị Trinh (centre) and gamers within the dressing room after securing a spot on the 2023 World Cup. Photograph of VFF
“Our job is difficult however the gamers work 10 instances tougher. They practised whatever the climate, rain or shine. Taking a look at them, I discover my job is nothing and love them extra. I believe I’m fortunate to have the prospect to contribute my humble labour to the success of the staff,” stated Trinh.
“On February 27, Nationwide Physician’s Day, I want all the most effective for my colleagues, particularly those that are sports activities docs and physicians. I hope they are going to stand robust within the pandemic and contribute extra to nationwide sports activities. Blissful Nationwide Physician’s Day!” stated Trinh, whose subsequent job is to accompany the Việt Nam Crew on the thirty first SEA Video games this Might in Hà Nội. — VNS
