On November 4, 2024, a remarkable event took place as the Survival Skills Social Enterprise (SSVN) proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, SSVN has continuously invested and strived to ensure that every Vietnamese citizen can save lives correctly through internationally standardized first aid education.

SSVN 10th Anniversary Celebration event video

A meaningful decade

Survival Skills Vietnam was founded in 2014 by First aid expert Tony Coffey, Ms. Trang Jena Nguyen and Mr. Ho Thai Binh upon recognizing that many Vietnamese people did not receive proper first aid knowledge when facing accidents and health emergencies. This led to numerous preventable casualties and immense suffering for families and society. This project has not only helped thousands of victims receive timely assistance from their families and those around them each year but also proven that Vietnamese people are fully capable of mastering first aid skills.

The event was honored to welcome Mr. Brent Stewart, Deputy Consul General of Australia in Vietnam, along with sponsors, supporters, clients, learners, volunteers, training partners, and several media outlets who joined hands to spread the humanitarian significance of first aid.

Celebrating 10 years marks a significant milestone for SSVN, but it is only the beginning of even greater goals ahead.

Mr. Ho Thai Binh (left), Ms. Trang Jena Nguyen (center), and First aid expert Tony Coffey (right) at the 10th Anniversary Celebration event.

From a charitable project to a social enterprise

Over the past 10 years of development, from its early days as a non-profit project to becoming a pioneering social enterprise in first aid education in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, SSVN has remained committed to its mission: “Reducing preventable casualties in Vietnam through internationally standardized first aid education.”

Pre hospital emergency expert Tony Coffey, one of SSVN’s co-founders, shared: “The journey of spreading first aid awareness has not only allowed me to connect with people but has also deepened my love for Vietnam. This country is not just a place I chose to dedicate myself to—it has become a part of me, a place filled with love, hope, and solidarity.”

First aid expert and SSVN co-founder, Mr. Tony Coffey, and Ms. Trang Jena Nguyen, Vice Director and co-founder of SSVN, delivered speeches at the event.

Additionally, Ms. Trang Jena Nguyen, co-founder of SSVN, expressed her passionate dedication: “I hope that every family in Vietnam will have at least one person who knows first aid. Every day when I wake up, I know we have another day to share this vital knowledge with more Vietnamese people. Despite the challenges, we will continue our journey—because what could be more precious than life?”

The event in full view. Photo: SSVN

Speaking at the event, Mr. Brent Stewart, Deputy Consul General of Australia in Ho Chi Minh City, recognized SSVN’s outstanding efforts in promoting first aid education in Vietnam: “SSVN’s story is truly inspiring. It is a testament to how individuals can make a difference in their communities through passion and concrete actions, leading to remarkable achievements. I am also proud that this organization was co-founded by Tony (an Australian paramedic) and two former Vietnamese students who studied in Australia. This demonstrates how our educational and people-to-people connections can yield unexpected and meaningful results, profoundly impacting lives.”

Mr. Brent Stewart, Deputy Consul General of Australia in Ho Chi Minh City, spoke at the event. Photo: SSVN

A highlight of the event was the launch of the First Aid Legal Handbook, developed in collaboration between SSVN and Devinci Pacific Law Firm. This handbook aims to clarify regulations related to first aid within the Vietnamese legal framework, providing essential information to help individuals make responsible decisions in emergency situations. SSVN hopes that the handbook will alleviate concerns regarding legal issues and potential complaints related to community first aid, fostering a positive culture that encourages people to step up and provide proper assistance to those in need.

The event also featured several exhibition booths showcasing SSVN’s notable products and services. This was a great opportunity for guests to explore the latest initiatives while networking and connecting with one another.

The exhibition booths at the event attracted many visitors. Photo: Tuoi Tre News

First aid for everyone – anytime, anywhere

Mr. Ho Thai Binh, Director of SSVN, shared at the event: “SSVN remains steadfast in our product development philosophy: Every Vietnamese person should have access to first aid education anytime, anywhere. The moment someone in Vietnam even briefly thinks about learning first aid, they should be able to immediately access all the necessary knowledge from SSVN. For those who can afford it, we offer high-quality commercial courses that provide an international learning experience at a local cost. For those who cannot, the majority of our educational resources are free. Additionally, SSVN regularly offers numerous scholarships for disadvantaged groups and caregivers of vulnerable individuals.”

Over the past 10 years, SSVN has built a comprehensive ecosystem of products that span Awareness, Training, and Practice. The goal is not only to enhance the quality of teaching and learning but also to ensure that when accidents occur, Vietnamese people have the necessary skills and technological support to maximize a victim’s chances of survival while awaiting medical assistance.

Mr. Ho Thai Binh, Director and Co-founder of SSVN, spoke at the event.

Traditional educational programs combined with SSVN’s Digital ecosystem, including the e-learning platform và First aid app, have enabled more than 150,000 Vietnamese people to access first aid knowledge more easily than ever before.

Leaving no people with disabilities behind

People with disabilities face a higher risk of accidents and injuries but often encounter significant challenges in escaping danger and seeking help. However, this issue has yet to receive widespread attention globally. Committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the mission to promote first aid education, SSVN has invested in community first aid training since its early days. In recent years, SSVN has collaborated with various organizations to develop accessible learning resources, including sign language library, Braille books, audiobooks, and more. These initiatives aim to ensure equal access to vital first aid knowledge for people with disabilities across the country.

Also attending the event was Ha Mi, an outstanding visually impaired learner of SSVN. With great enthusiasm, she performed a song and shared her thoughts on the importance of first aid skills for people with disabilities: “If we overlook this crucial window of time, we may miss many life-saving moments that could determine a person’s survival,” Mi shared. Notably, she has successfully applied the knowledge she learned in real-life situations, enabling her to respond effectively and guide those around her in emergencies.

Ha Mi performed a song and shared her thoughts at the event.

The ceremony featured many meaningful activities, with a highlight being the moment when SSVN’s founders came together to cut the celebration cake—symbolizing a decade of dedication and growth. This image was not only symbolic but also reflected the unity, effort, and passion of everyone in the SSVN big family.

First Aid Heroes – A Lifesaving Journey from the Heart

At this event, SSVN also honored two outstanding individuals—former exemplary learners who have transformed their first aid knowledge into real-life action. Their efforts have contributed to providing timely first aid to thousands of accident victims across Vietnam each year.

Pham Quoc Viet (orange shirt) and Nghia Pham (in black shirt) shared their experiences at the event. Photo: SSVN
  • Mr. Pham Quoc Viet – Founder of FAS Angel in Hanoi

In 2019, after attending a first aid training course organized by SSVN for Grab Vietnam, Mr. Pham Quoc Vietdecided to turn his knowledge into action. He founded the First Aid Support – FAS Angel in Hanoi.

Since then, FAS Angel has grown from a support group into a symbol of sharing and lifesaving efforts in the Capital. Each year, the team helps save thousands of victims in traffic accidents and fires. With a spirit of volunteerism and a mission to spread first aid awareness, FAS Angel has inspired and mobilized many others to join the journey of bringing hope and saving lives.

  • Mr. Pham Lê Tuan Nghia – Timely actions to save lives in Ho Chi Minh City

Mr. Pham Le Tuan Nghia is a powerful example of the life-saving value of first aid in emergencies. Just a few days after completing his first aid training, he successfully applied his knowledge to save victims of a tragic accident, where a container truck crashed into multiple motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City.

Since that incident, Nghia has continued to take action in numerous other emergencies, becoming a shining example of applying knowledge to save lives. His journey is not just a personal story but also a call to action, encouraging everyone to equip themselves with first aid skills and become everyday heroes.

At the event, Nghia shared: “I feel shy when people call me a hero. What I do is simply something that anyone can do.”

The stories of Viet and Nghia serve as powerful testimonies to the importance of learning and spreading first aid knowledge. Every small skill, when applied at the right moment, can save a life and provide a chance of survival for those in danger.

SSVN is proud to support and stand alongside these outstanding individuals. This event was not only an opportunity to honor them but also a chance for the community to learn, raise awareness, and work together to build a safer society.

More than just First aid

SSVN’s innovative advancements in first aid education in Vietnam are gradually making an impact across Southeast Asia, especially in improving access to first aid knowledge and skills for people with disabilities. Since 2022, SSVN has consistently supported individuals with disabilities in Thailand, Laos, and Indonesia. Additionally, SSVN’s learning materials are being translated into multiple languages to better serve communities across the region.

In September 2024, SSVN, in collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition, launched an online course on Nutrition and Infant Care. This program aims to equip medical staff, mothers, and caregivers with essential knowledge on breastfeeding and complementary feeding to ensure proper nutrition during a child’s first 1,000 days. Within just two months, over 3,500 medical staff from 63 provinces enrolled in the course. This success highlights the vast potential of SSVN’s technology-driven solutions in community first aid education to make a significant contribution to the healthcare sector’s goals.

SSVN – A Tribute: A Powerful Motivation for the Lifesaving Mission

To achieve these milestones, SSVN has been supported by hundreds of companies, thousands of learners across the country, and dedicated sponsors who have continuously contributed to bringing SSVN’s innovations to the community.

SSVN leadership presented appreciation gifts to the event’s guests.

However, these achievements remain modest compared to the many people in Vietnam who still lack timely support. Therefore, we sincerely hope for more community support so that together, we can help even more people.

Additional photos from SSVN’s 10th Anniversary Celebration