At 19:45 on September 30, 2025, at a basketball court in Daxing District, Beijing, a 49-year-old man suddenly experienced severe dizziness and palpitations. A crushing pain spread across his back, making even breathing difficult. His friends immediately dialed 120 without hesitation—launching a life-or-death rescue where every second mattered.
Soon after, the crew from the Daxing Branch of Beijing 120 arrived on scene. Dr. Hou Guiping, Nurse Bai Chenglin, and driver Qi Zhikui quickly approached the patient. Although he remained conscious, his body was drenched in cold sweat, and his face was pale as paper—classic signs of a critical medical emergency that instantly heightened the team’s vigilance. They began an immediate assessment: the patient’s blood pressure was 111/81 mmHg and his heart rate was 81 bpm—numbers that appeared normal. But Dr. Hou, drawing on extensive clinical experience, knew that in acute myocardial infarction, some patients’ vital signs may temporarily “look normal.” A further evaluation should be conducted to identify the risk.
While connecting the patient to the ECG monitor, Dr. Hou spoke to him in a calm, reassuring tone: “Don’t worry. It might just be some fatigue from exercise. The ECG shows a little fluctuation, so let’s go to the hospital for a more detailed check. We’ll get you taken care of soon.” What sounded like a casual reassurance was, in fact, deliberate communication strategy. Dr. Hou understood that the intense pain of a heart attack can easily trigger panic. Any emotional breakdown could increase cardiac burden. In such moments, a “kind-hearted concealment” helps create a more stable environment for emergency care.
But when the ECG results appeared, Dr. Hou had a feeling of uneasiness. There was a significant ST-segment elevation, one of the most dangerous signs of acute myocardial infarction. It meant the patient’s heart muscle was actively dying.Every minute lost meant more irreversible damage. Without revealing any visible anxiety, she quietly turned to driver Qi and issued a quick directive: “We can’t rule out acute MI. Safety first. Prepare for immediate transport.”
No further explanation was needed. Years of teamwork kicked in instantly. Qi tightened his grip on the steering wheel, increasing speed while ensuring safety. Nurse Bai quickly established an IV line, connected continuous ECG monitoring, and prepared the defibrillator and other emergency equipment to handle potential arrhythmias or shock. The ambulance siren pierced the evening air, carrying hope toward the receiving hospital.
During transport, Dr. Hou called the hospital’s emergency department, clearly relaying the patient’s condition and vital signs, prompting the activation of the Chest Pain Green Channel. This crucial step removed the “time barrier” between pre-hospital and in-hospital care. By the time the ambulance arrived, the hospital’s emergency team and catheterization lab were fully prepared. With no registration, no payment, and no delays, they were ready to begin targeted treatment immediately.
Moments later, the ambulance stopped steadily at the hospital entrance. The waiting medical staff swiftly transferred the patient to the resuscitation room. From the onset of symptoms to the seamless handover to the hospital team, the Beijing 120 crew used precise clinical judgment, seamless teamwork, and thoughtful communication to secure the golden window of myocardial infarction treatment within just 30 minutes. Follow-up reports confirmed that with the benefit of timely pre-hospital care and an efficiently coordinated green channel, the patient underwent successful interventional therapy. Blood flow to the heart muscle was restored quickly, and the patient is now recovering well.
This rescue, not only races against time, but also exemplifies the core value of pre-hospital emergency care. The emergency medical professionals should have the professional acuity of "seeing through appearances" to pinpoint hidden crises without being misled by superficial symptoms. They also need the communicative wisdom of "stepping into others' shoes" to reassure patients while managing risks. Most crucially, they require seamless teamwork where doctors, nurses, and ambulance crews operate as one cohesive unit, building an unbreakable lifeline through efficient coordination. The smooth operation of the "Chest Pain Green Channel" further demonstrates systemic synergy, enabling "information arrival before the patient, resuscitation before formal admission" to become reality.
Beijing 120 reminds the public:
Heart attacks often occur suddenly. Typical symptoms include severe chest pain, chest tightness, profuse sweating, and dizziness. But some patients may show only mild or atypical discomfort, especially after exercise or emotional stress. If you experience such symptoms, never assume it will pass on its own. Stop activity immediately, rest where you are, and call 120 at once. While waiting for emergency responders, try to remain calm and avoid emotional stress, creating the best conditions for subsequent treatment.