With over 15 years of experience as an ambulance driver, Mr Bui Xuan The Hien, believes that “the job of an ambulance driver is not simply about driving a vehicle.” The first FV Shining Star Award of 2025 honours Mr Hien for his extensive experience, impactful contributions, and unwavering dedication to “doing his best” for the lives of every patient.

Starting his career as a driver in 1995, Mr Hien had over a decade of experience before officially joining FV Hospital. However, driving an ambulance presented an entirely different challenge. “At first, it was quite overwhelming, but thanks to the hospital’s thorough training, I quickly adapted,” shared Mr Hien.

The early years in the profession were challenging for Mr Hien, and at times, he considered leaving in search of another job with a higher income. However, through heartfelt conversations and encouragement from the doctors and management, he found reassurance and decided to stay. The ability to communicate openly with leaders, exchange knowledge with colleagues, and contribute significantly to humanitarian values through small actions kept Mr Hien committed to his work – deepening his passion for the job over time.

For Mr Hien, being an ambulance driver demands more than just driving skills but also the ability to handle high-pressure situations – it requires quick thinking, resilience, and an empathetic heart. Even in the most critical situations, where every second counts, a seemingly simple decision, such as selecting the right vehicle size for the route, can mean the difference between life and death for the patient.

“What I remember most is during Covid,” Mr Hien recalled. “There was a very critical case, the whole family was infected. The husband was too weak to help, and the 9-year-old child kept hugging the mother’s oxygen tank and crying, begging me to take her mother to the hospital. It was too risky to carry the patient due to the high infection risk, so I improvised by using a seatbelt from the car seat, secured it over my shoulder, and helped the patient down the very narrow stairs. While driving, I encouraged the husband to keep talking to his wife to prevent her from slipping into a coma.”

That trip carried more than a patient – it carried the hope of an entire family. Thanks to timely treatment and several days battling through COVID in the hospital, the patient recovered and was able to return home. “When I saw the family member give me a thumbs-up to signal that everything was okay, I knew my work was worth it,” Mr Hien said happily.

The FV Shining Star Award of January 2025 is more than just a congratulatory message – it is a recognition of the silent yet meaningful contributions of Mr Bui Xuan The Hien. We wish him continued health and passion, and as his colleagues describe him as “ageless” in his work, may he continue to be a guiding force in FV’s mission of bringing hope and life to patients.