Weekly First-aid Topic: Dedication of 120 female medical professionals in rescuing patients from high-altitude falls
From:Beijing Municipal Health Commission
Date:11/29/2024

On October 17, 2024, a worker lost his balance while working at high altitude at a construction site and fell to the ground from a significant height. Immediately after the incident, fellow workers called for emergency assistance by dialing 120. The Beijing 120 Dispatch and Command Center responded quickly, dispatching a team of the Jingkai Emergency Center Station to the scene to provide urgent medical rescue.

Upon receiving the emergency task, Li Qing, the team doctor, immediately assembled the rescue team and rushed to the scene. On the way, Dr. Li contacted the construction site to gather information about the patient’s condition and instructed the workers to prioritize safety, advising them not to move the patient unnecessarily to avoid causing further injury. When the team arrived at the construction site, they took necessary safety precautions firstly before quickly advancing to the scene, equipped with the appropriate rescue equipment.

The on-site environment was highly complex, with the ground littered with construction materials. The patient had fallen from the third floor of the building, landing in a gully on the first floor underground. Reaching the patient required navigating through multiple construction sections, with no stairs between the floors—only partitions made of steel bars and cement. Each partition was precariously supported by simple wooden boards leaning against the walls, extending to the next floor. The narrow space around these woods posed a significant risk, as one could easily step off and fall. Despite these hazards, the wooden walkways were the only route to access the patient. In order to reach the scene quickly, the rescue team made the decision to carry emergency equipment into the site one piece at a time. Amid constant communication and coordination, the female medical staff Dr. Li Qing and Wang Zhen remained calm and focused. They carefully carried the necessary rescue equipment through the cramped, hazardous space, and swiftly reached the patient. Upon arrival, they immediately conducted a preliminary examination and injury assessment.

As the sky grew darker, Dr. Li Qing approached the patient, using the flashlight to carefully assess his condition. The patient appeared in significant pain, with a pale complexion. He was conscious and able to speak fluently but struggled with breathlessness. He reported widespread pain, particularly in his left lower limb. Dr. Li Qing instructed the patient to remain still and, while continuing her questioning, conducted a thorough examination. She observed an obvious deformity in the left lower limb, though there was no visible bleeding. The patient also exhibited low blood pressure and a positive pelvic compression test, which suggested a potential pelvic fracture. Given these findings, combined with the deformity in the lower limb, Dr. Li suspected the patient had sustained a serious, potentially fatal injury. Additionally, there were signs of trauma to the neck and chest, and the patient was showing symptoms of hemorrhagic shock. The injuries were critical and could be life-threatening at any moment. However, the challenging on-site conditions made it difficult to safely lift and transport the patient. Despite these severe constraints, Dr. Li Qing remained composed. She, along with nurse Wang Zhen, immediately began on-site life-saving interventions, to provide the best possible chance for survival.

In such a difficult environment, the team worked cautiously, pushing their limits without fear and cooperating seamlessly. They quickly applied a neck brace to stabilize the patient, established an intravenous line for fluid infusion and blood pressure support, and initiated oxygen monitoring—all at the fastest speed possible. While immobilizing the injured limbs, they whispered comforting words to calm the patient, striving to make him feel the sense of security that only professional emergency medical staff can provide. After their rapid and careful rescue, the patient’s condition began to improve. Under Dr. Li Qing's guidance, driver Ma Kai and the medical assistants safely secured the patient onto a shovel stretcher, and together they lifted the patient into the ambulance. Simultaneously, the emergency personnel established a green channel and informed the hospital to prepare for the patient's arrival.

During the transfer, the emergency personnel remained highly vigilant and focused, closely monitoring any changes in the patient’s condition. They were always prepared to respond to any potential emergencies. After receiving emergency treatment and being safely transferred, the patient was transported to a nearby hospital for further care.

The rescue operation was swift and effective, not only saving the patient’s life but also showcasing the professionalism and expertise of the 120 female medical staff. On the frontlines of saving lives, they are fearless pioneers, embodying the wisdom and courage of women, demonstrating that their strength is no less than that of men. On the life-threatening battlefield, they are gentle warriors, wielding the unique strength of women, with their white coats serving as armor, dedicated to protecting and caring for others with unwavering commitment.

Beijing 120 urges the general public, particularly those working in high-risk environments, to always prioritize personal safety and strictly adhere to safety regulations. By working together, we can create a safer and more harmonious environment for both work and daily life, ensuring a healthier and safer future for all.