Recently, winter mountains have been blanketed in snow, beautiful yet fraught with hidden dangers amid the biting cold. At 12:33 p.m. on December 8, the Beihuan Road Emergency Station of the Changping Sub-center of Beijing 120 received an emergency call: a hiker was stranded on a mountain after twisting her ankle and urgently needed rescue.
The emergency medical team responded immediately, swiftly preparing fracture immobilization devices, trauma emergency kits, and vital-sign monitoring equipment before heading to the scene. With time of the essence, the ambulance soon reached the foot of the mountain. However, the road leading upward was steep and slippery, making further ascent by ambulance impossible. “Hold the equipment steady—let’s move faster on foot to reach the patient!” the medical staff urged. Carrying heavy medical cases and shouldering a folding stretcher, the team trudged up the steep slope, slipping occasionally on loose gravel. Despite the difficult terrain, they maintained their pace with a single goal in mind: reach the injured hiker as quickly as possible. Upon finally arriving at the mountaintop, firefighters from the 119 Fire and Rescue Service—already on site—immediately stepped in, and a coordinated rescue operation got underway.
The team learned that the patient was a 36-year-old woman who had twisted her right ankle while hiking an hour earlier. The injured area had rapidly become swollen, with severe pain, leaving her unable to move normally. Emergency personnel promptly connected her to a cardiac monitor to track vital signs and carefully examined the injury. Based on the pain location and restricted mobility, they preliminarily assessed the injury as an ankle fracture. To prevent displacement of the fracture fragments and further damage, the team quickly applied a splint, strictly following prehospital emergency care protocols, with precise yet gentle movements.
After confirming that the patient had no other internal injuries or life-threatening conditions, the emergency team worked closely with the firefighters to carefully transfer her onto a stretcher. Together, they slowly carried her down the mountain. Throughout the descent, team members stayed by her side, continuously monitoring her level of consciousness and calmly reassuring her. She was safely transferred to the ambulance and then transported to the hospital for further treatment.
From receiving the dispatch to completing the safe transfer, the team’s on-foot rescue on the steep slope—marked by efficient action and professional care—fully demonstrated the responsibility and dedication of emergency responders. Beijing 120 will continue to strengthen its emergency response capabilities, delivering faster responses and more professional medical care to safeguard the lives and health of the capital’s residents.
Safety Reminder for Hikers:
Winter hiking enthusiasts are urged to take proper safety precautions, choose familiar routes, and carry essential emergency supplies. If an ankle injury occurs and a fracture is suspected, stop moving immediately. Do not massage the injured area or attempt to walk, as this may worsen the injury. Call 120 promptly and wait for professional rescue. Meanwhile, use clothing or blankets to keep the body and injured area warm, which can help reduce swelling and bleeding and prevent hypothermia or frostbite.