Recently, the Emergency Medical Center of Beijing (Economic-Technological Development Area Station) received an urgent dispatch from the command center: “An elderly patient became suddenly unconscious while eating. The condition is critical and immediate medical assistance is required.” Upon receiving the task, the ambulance crew set off without delay. While en route, Dr. Jiao Huijieattempted several times to contact the patient by phone but was unable to get through due to a busy line. Based on extensive emergency experience and the information provided in the dispatch order, Dr. Jiao made a preliminary judgment that the patient might have suffered respiratory and cardiac arrest caused by airway obstruction.
Racing against time, the ambulance arrived swiftly at the scene. Carrying full resuscitation equipment, the doctor, nurse, and stretcher-bearer hurried upstairs. Upon entering the home, they encountered a critical situation: the patient was lying supine on the floor, unconscious and not breathing. Under the guidance of the emergency dispatcher, family members were performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), buying precious time for rescue.
The emergency team immediately initiated professional treatment. Nurse Liu Haizheng quickly connected the patient to a monitor to track vital signs in real time. Dr. Jiao used a laryngoscope to open the patient’s airway and discovered a foreign body measuring approximately 2.5 cm × 4 cm lodged at the junction of the oral cavity and trachea. With seamless cooperation from Nurse Liu, Dr. Jiao successfully removed the obstruction using negative-pressure suction. The patient’s breathing and consciousness gradually returned. Following medical instructions, Nurse Liu administered high-flow oxygen, promptly established intravenous access, and carried out an electrocardiogram and blood glucose test. The patient was then transferred to the ambulance. Dr. Jiao contacted the dispatch center to activate a green channel, and the driver, Wang Yanshan, transported the patient at full speed to the nearest receiving hospital. During transport, the medical team closely monitored the patient, whose vital signs steadily stabilized. The patient arrived safely at the hospital for further treatment.
"Seeing the elderly family member go from not breathing to being out of danger, our whole family finally felt relieved," a family member said while repeatedly expressing heartfelt gratitude to the emergency staff. This successful rescue fully demonstrated the emergency team’s accurate clinical judgment, skilled professional techniques, and efficient teamwork.
Beijing 120 reminds the public that elderly individuals—especially those who wear dentures or have swallowing difficulties—should eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and avoid foods that are difficult to swallow. Families are encouraged to strengthen daily care and improve first-aid knowledge to prevent airway obstruction and other emergencies, safeguarding the health and safety of older adults. In case of emergencies, dial 120 immediately for assistance.