Recently, the Wulituo Emergency Station of the Shijingshan Branch of Beijing 120 received an emergency call: a 53-year-old male patient had suddenly fallen into a coma after experiencing dizziness and required urgent treatment. Dr. Lu Zhiliang and his team immediately set out for the scene.

While en route, Dr. Lu contacted the patient’s family for more information. He learned that the patient had developed dizziness and vomiting for no apparent reason and had lost consciousness while lying in bed. Over the phone, Dr. Lu instructed the family: “Keep the patient lying flat with his head turned to one side,” to prevent vomit from blocking the airway and causing suffocation.

Upon arrival, Dr. Lu rushed into the patient’s home. As soon as the door of the small house opened, a strong smell of gas filled the air. Spotting a gas cylinder in the corner, he quickly shouted, “Gas is leaking! No open flames! Open the windows for ventilation!” While the nurse ventilated the room, Dr. Lu swiftly tightened the cylinder valve. The anxious family, unaware of the deadly odor, were panicking over their unconscious loved one.

The high concentration of gas posed a serious danger not only to the patient but also to everyone inside. “Move the patient outside first!” Dr. Lu ordered firmly. The team worked seamlessly to transfer the patient safely outdoors. A swift initial assessment showed his blood oxygen saturation was only 93% and his carboxyhemoglobin level had reached 36%. Dr. Lu accurately diagnosed acute carbon monoxide poisoning, and immediate treatment was essential. Nurse Wu Yongli quickly administered high-flow oxygen, monitored the patient’s vital signs and started ECG and blood pressure monitoring, while driver Wang Hao positioned the ambulance for rapid loading.

Just as the rescue efforts were underway, an unexpected incident occurred: the patient’s wife suddenly collapsed and began vomiting uncontrollably. Dr. Lu instructed the nurse to stay with the male patient while he immediately attended to her. A carboxyhemoglobin level of 32% confirmed that she, too, was suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Considering the remote location and the urgency of treatment, Dr. Lu decided not to wait for a second ambulance. As the woman was still conscious but in need of urgent care, the team decided to transport both patients together.

During the transfer, Dr. Lu continued providing high-flow oxygen to both patients and urgently coordinated with the dispatch command center to open a green channel at the hospital. The team safely and quickly transported the two patients to the emergency department for further treatment.

Follow-up revealed that thanks to Dr. Lu’s team’s rapid identification, precise handling, timely hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and seamless coordination with the hospital, both patients made a full recovery without any complications. This race against time and battle against danger not only demonstrated the professionalism and dedication of the emergency medical team but also safeguarded the integrity of a family, bringing the pledge of “life above all” to life in a critical moment.

Beijing 120 Reminds You: How to Prevent and Respond to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

1. Common Causes

Improper installation or prolonged use of gas water heaters

Forgetting to close the valve after using a gas stove

Using poorly ventilated heating devices in enclosed spaces

Running a car engine for a long time inside an enclosed garage

2. Recognizing Symptoms

Mild: Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting

Moderate: Flushed face, excessive sweating, confusion

Severe: Coma, convulsions, respiratory depression

3. On-Site First Aid Tips

Immediately open doors and windows and evacuate the area

Turn off gas sources and eliminate open flames

Keep the patient’s airway clear, with their head turned to one side to prevent vomit aspiration

Provide oxygen if available

Call 120 for emergency assistance

4. Prevention Measures

Regularly inspect gas appliances to ensure they are intact

Maintain good ventilation when using gas

Install carbon monoxide detectors

Avoid using flue-less gas water heaters

Do not run vehicles for long periods in enclosed spaces