Blunt force trauma caused the deaths of a soldier and an officer cadet when their light tank overturned during a joint security drill in Lop Buri province on Monday, according to the Royal Thai Army’s (RTA) Medical Department.
The department held a press conference yesterday to explain its preparations and responses to medical emergencies during the exercise following the tragedy.
SM1 Sanga Joitho, attached to the 2nd Cavalry Division, King’s Guard, and Phuwanai Kamlangdee, a third-year cadet from Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, were thrown from their Scorpion light tank after trying to avoid a collision with an FTX army truck during the annual civil-military-police exercise.
SM1 Sanga, the driver, and cadet Phuwanai, the tank’s gunner, were later pronounced dead at Ananda Mahidol Hospital.
Maj Gen Kasem Pinyochon, deputy chief of the RTA’s Medical Department, yesterday said medical staff were in the field to respond to any medical emergencies during the exercise.
A medical emergency response and management plan was prepared for the exercise, in which Ananda Mahidol Hospital was assigned as the main unit supported by medical teams from the three armed forces and the Royal Thai Police, he said.
Field hospitals were set up in several locations to cover the vast exercise area, he said, adding there were seven ambulances and two helicopters equipped with advanced life support on standby.
When the incident was reported, ambulances were dispatched to the scene to provide first aid to the injured, who were unconscious and the medical emergency administration team was alerted.
He said the injured had sustained blunt force injury, which could cause severe damage to internal organs. SM1 Sanga was found to have sustained injuries to the chest and abdominal area, while cadet Phuwanai sustained injuries to the chest.
After receiving initial aid, SM1 Sanga was sent to Ananda Mahidol Hospital. However, during the transfer, his condition worsened, so he was rushed to King Narai Hospital. When his condition was stable, he was referred to Ananda Mahidol Hospital.
Cadet Phuwanai received first aid before he was sent to a field hospital for further medical care. He was later transported to Ananda Mahidol Hospital, said Maj Gen Kasem.
Citing medical care and treatment information and autopsy results, he said they died from severe injuries sustained in the accident.