As the year draws to a close and winter’s chill deepens, the festive spirit of the Spring Festival grows ever stronger. Beneath the glow of countless household lights flows the anticipation of long-awaited reunions, within hurried footsteps lingers the longing to return home. However, an urgent race against death was quietly unfolding beneath the city’s warmth and celebration.
Recently, dispatcher Zhang Yingchun at the Beijing 120 Dispatch and Command Center received an emergency call from police officers: a 30-year-old man had suffered sudden cardiac arrest near a subway entrance in Beijing. The situation was critical. Recognizing that every second counts in cardiac arrest, Zhang responded calmly and decisively. She immediately dispatched the nearest ambulance team while activating the remote medical video guidance system, connecting in real time with officers at the scene. A life-saving rescue across the screen began instantly.
“Stay calm! Lay him flat and begin chest compressions immediately!” Zhang instructed steadily through the video link. Closely monitoring the screen, she provided precise guidance for every move: “Place your hands at the center of the line between the nipples. Compress 5 to 6 centimeters deep and allow full chest recoil.”
Under her remote direction, subway staff quickly retrieved an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Powering it on, attaching electrode pads, analyzing rhythm, and delivering defibrillation — each step was performed in a standardized and orderly manner.
As the AED prompt sounded, a precise defibrillation was successfully delivered. Zhang Yingchun issued clear instructions, and chest compressions were immediately resumed. The procedure was performed according to standard protocol, with a steady rhythm maintained as on-site personnel worked in coordinated cycles, closely cooperating in the resuscitation efforts.
Soon, emergency medical personnel arrived and took over the rescue, continuing high-quality CPR en route to the hospital and other advanced life support. During transport, the patient gradually regained consciousness, spontaneous breathing, and heart rhythm. Vital signs stabilized. Meanwhile, the dispatcher coordinated with the receiving hospital to activate a green channel, securing valuable time for further treatment.
A single phone line bridged life and death; invisible hands upheld hope of life. Through professional expertise, composure under pressure, and unwavering support throughout the process, Zhang Yingchun exemplified the responsibility of a Beijing 120 dispatcher as the “first responder on the lifeline.” The Beijing 120 Dispatch and Command Center will continue to safeguard the lives and health of citizens with faster response, better service, and stronger technological support.
Beijing 120 Health Reminder
During the Spring Festival holiday, as families reunite and celebrate, please balance work and rest, and avoid excessive fatigue or emotional excitement. If someone suddenly collapses, is unresponsive, and stops breathing, call 120 immediately and begin CPR as soon as possible. Mastering basic first-aid skills can save a life at a critical moment. Let us enhance emergency awareness together and build a strong defense line for life and health.