Recently, the Shougang Emergency Station of the Shijingshan Sub-center of Beijing 120 received a dispatch order: a patient had suddenly fallen and developed movement impairment, requiring urgent medical assistance. The ambulance crew responded immediately and rushed to the scene. En route, physician Zuo Ying contacted those on site. While calming the anxious family members, she gave clear instructions: “Do not move the patient. Turn his head to one side.” Meanwhile, driver Yin Wenzhao, drawing on his extensive experience, planned the optimal route. The ambulance maneuvered precisely through traffic, arriving quickly and smoothly.
Upon arrival, the crew found an elderly male patient lying flat on the floor with impaired consciousness. Nurse Su Na promptly conducted basic assessments, including electrocardiography and measurements of blood pressure and blood glucose. Dr. Zuo Ying performed a physical examination and, considering the patient’s history of atrial fibrillation together with the acute onset and classic symptoms—facial droop, limb hemiplegia, and slurred speech—determined that the presentation fully met the “FAST” criteria for stroke. The patient was preliminarily diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke.
“Every second counts in neurological function in stroke treatment, and the ‘time window’ is the window of life,” the emergency staff explained succinctly to the family. A standardized emergency treatment protocol was immediately initiated. Nurse Su Na rapidly established intravenous access and provided appropriate oxygen support, while the crew worked together to safely transfer the patient onto the ambulance for transport to the hospital.
During transport, a multidimensional “life relay” unfolded simultaneously. Dr. Zuo Ying urgently contacted the destination hospital to activate a green channel and transmitted the patient’s information and clinical status in real time via the onboard tablet, securing precious time for subsequent treatment. Nurse Su Na closely monitored the patient’s condition, while driver Yin Wenzhao maintained the perfect balance between speed and stability, skillfully safeguarding the patient’s life.
When the ambulance arrived at the hospital’s emergency department, the neurology team—already on standby—immediately took over. Diagnostic evaluation and thrombolytic therapy were seamlessly initiated, and the patient received further definitive treatment.
Follow-up revealed that, thanks to the ambulance crew’s accurate assessment, efficient on-site management, and rapid transport within the “golden time window,” the patient achieved a good recovery after thrombolytic therapy, with limb movement and speech functions largely restored. The family expressed heartfelt gratitude by phone: “Thank you! Your rapid treatment and transport gave my family member a second chance at life.”
From receiving the dispatch to precise hospital delivery, emergency medical professionals demonstrated their expertise and teamwork, embodying compassion and responsibility in a race against time. This battle for the “time window” was not only a display of emergency skills, but also a testament to duty and commitment. With professionalism measured in seconds and unwavering dedication, Beijing 120 continues to build a strong lifeline for patients.
Beijing 120 Reminder: If you observe sudden facial drooping, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred or unclear speech, or symptoms such as severe headache, vomiting, or impaired consciousness, call 120 immediately. Do notgive water or medications on your own (such as antihypertensives or aspirin). The treatment window for stroke is limited—the earlier standardized treatment begins, the better the patient’s prognosis.