Weekly First-aid Topic: Rapid rescue protects the elderly, professional care shows warmth
From:Beijing Municipal Health Commission
Date:01/16/2026

Recently, a sudden and alarming incident occurred at a security checkpoint in a railway station. A man in his seventies, traveling alone with luggage, slipped and fell after passing through security screening. He experienced severe pain in his waist and legs and was unable to stand up on his own. At this critical moment, the Yuegezhuang ambulance team from the Fengtai Sub-center of Beijing 120 responded with swift action, accurate assessment, and compassionate service, building a strong safety barrier for the elderly patient and vividly demonstrating the emergency mission of “putting life first.”

Rapid Dispatch and Coordinated Response for Elderly Patient Falls in Emergency

According to station staff, the patient had just completed the security check when he slipped while turning with his suitcase and fell heavily to the ground. Staff members immediately went to assist him and, finding that he was in severe pain and unable to move, promptly called the 120 emergency hotline.

“Please do not move the patient unnecessarily. Keep the area well ventilated. We are on our way,” said physician Pan Zhiwei, who contacted on-site staff immediately after receiving the dispatch. Through remote telephone guidance, he instructed them on initial protective measures, effectively preventing secondary injury caused by improper movement and securing valuable time for subsequent treatment. Meanwhile, driver Zheng Kexin quickly planned the optimal route and safely transported the ambulance to the scene, arriving shortly thereafter.

Professional On-site Care Stabilizes the Condition and Compassionate Service Reassures the Patient

As soon as the ambulance came to a stop, Pan Zhiwei led nurse Chen Sizhen, carrying emergency medical kits and a scoop stretcher, swiftly to the scene.“Sir, don’t be nervous. We’re from Beijing 120. Let us take a look first,” Pan said gently as he knelt beside the patient to calm him. At the same time, Chen measured the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate and established continuous vital signs monitoring. After a careful physical examination and inquiry, Pan assessed that the patient most likely had soft tissue injuries to the lower limbs, with no immediate indication of spinal injury based on the preliminary evaluation.

To avoid aggravating the injury during transfer, the emergency team strictly followed standardized procedures. A soft pad was placed beneath the patient, and multiple staff members coordinated to carefully transfer him onto a scoop stretcher. Driver Zheng Kexin and stretcher-bearer Jiao Huaiguo secured the patient with fixation straps before cautiously lifting him into the ambulance. During transport, Chen continued to monitor the patient’s vital signs, while Pan engaged him in conversation to distract his attention and encouraged him to relax. The entire process was smooth, orderly, and reassuring.

The ambulance soon arrived safely at the nearest hospital. After a detailed handover with the emergency department team, the patient was transferred to the examination room for further evaluation. Family members who rushed to the hospital upon notification expressed heartfelt gratitude after learning about the rescue process. Holding Pan Zhiwei’s hand tightly, they said, “From the moment he fell to hospital admission, everything was handled without delay. Your response was fast and professional. We are truly grateful for having you there gives us great peace of mind.”

Beijing 120 reminds elderly individuals to prioritize safety when traveling: whenever possible, go out accompanied by family members; avoid carrying excessively heavy luggage. In the event of an accidental fall, do not attempt to stand up on your own or allow others to lift you forcibly. Call 120 immediately and clearly state the location, the nature of the injury, and contact information to ensure timely and effective emergency assistance.