During the Spring Festival, family reunion is the most cherished image in the hearts of Chinese people, and the firmest foundation of that reunion is always health and safety. While households across the city were immersed in the festive glow of the New Year, Beijing 120 remained steadfast on the front line of safeguarding lives, silently protecting the public with rapid response and professional expertise. An emergency rescue mission on the night of the first day of the Chinese New Year sounded an important health alarm for all patients with chronic diseases.
In the early hours of that day, the chill in the air remained biting. The Yongledian Emergency Station of the Tongzhou Sub-center received a dispatch: an elderly male at home had suddenly developed dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision, and his condition was urgent. Upon receiving the call, the ambulance crew immediately entered emergency mode and rushed to the scene.
En route, emergency physician Wang He promptly contacted the family to accurately confirm the address and quickly assess the patient’s condition. At the same time, he patiently reassured the anxious family members and provided instructions for basic first aid over the phone. Nurse Zhao Yunli swiftly checked and prepared emergency equipment and medications to ensure full readiness. Driver Zhou Liantong, relying on his excellent driving skills, maneuvered steadily through the night, striving to gain every possible second for rescue.
Upon arrival, the situation was concerning. The patient was lying flat on the bed, flushed in the face and listless, while family members stood by helplessly. According to them, the dizziness had persisted for two days, but due to being occupied with New Year affairs, the patient had not taken it seriously. One hour earlier, the symptoms had suddenly worsened and were accompanied by repeated vomiting.
Further inquiry revealed that the patient had a history of hypertension for more than ten years. Approaching the Spring Festival, believing his blood pressure to be relatively well controlled, he had taken a chance and stopped taking his medication on his own for nearly half a month, without regular blood pressure monitoring. On-site measurement showed a blood pressure reading of 198/106 mmHg, placing him at an extremely high-risk level, with the potential to trigger severe complications such as cerebral hemorrhage or acute heart failure at any time.
Emergency personnel immediately initiated treatment, administering rapid-acting antihypertensive medication and establishing intravenous access. After the patient’s condition showed slight improvement, the crew carefully transferred him to the ambulance and transported him urgently to the hospital for further treatment.
During transport, following preliminary management, the patient’s symptoms eased somewhat. Filled with regret, he said, “I thought it would be more convenient during the holiday to stop taking the medicine for a while. I didn’t expect it would nearly cause a serious problem.” Wang He patiently reminded him, “Hypertension is a ‘silent killer’ lurking around us. It does not take a holiday. Regular treatment and timely medication must never be neglected.”
Unauthorized discontinuation of medication is one of the most common triggers of sharp blood pressure fluctuations. Some patients avoid taking medication during the holiday due to traditional taboos or mistakenly believe their condition is stable and stop antihypertensive or hypoglycemic drugs on their own, leading to uncontrolled indicators. In addition, fluctuating temperatures before and after the Spring Festival, particularly cold stimulation, can cause vasoconstriction and induce blood pressure fluctuations. Preparations before the holiday, social gatherings, late nights staying up for the New Year, and continuous physical and mental strain all increase the body’s burden. Excitement during the festivities and anxiety after busy days may also affect the neuroendocrine system, resulting in unstable blood glucose and blood pressure levels.
During the Spring Festival, reunion is a blessing, but health is the foundation. To ensure a safer and longer-lasting celebration, Beijing 120 offers the following reminders:
I. Do Not Reduce Medication — Health Does Not “Take a Holiday”
Chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes require long-term, standardized treatment. No matter how busy the holiday may be, medications must be taken strictly according to medical advice. Do not discontinue or reduce medication without authorization for any reason. If adjustments are needed, consult a physician in advance and never rely on assumptions.
II. Do Not Neglect Monitoring — Always Know Your Numbers
Maintain regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood glucose. It is recommended to measure at fixed times each day and keep records. Only by understanding changes in your indicators can early intervention be taken when abnormalities first appear, preventing minor issues from escalating into major problems.
III. Maintain Regular Rest — Reduce the Body’s Burden
Plan holiday activities reasonably. Avoid staying up late, prolonged sitting, heavy housework, or overly intensive social engagements. Allow your body adequate rest; comfort and moderation are the best ways to celebrate holidays.
IV. Keep Emotions Stable — Maintain a Balanced Mindset
With many activities and gatherings during the holiday, emotions can easily fluctuate. Learn to regulate your mood and avoid extreme joy, grief, or excessive anxiety. A calm and steady mindset is the stabilizing anchor for healthy indicators.
V. Do Not Endure Discomfort — Seek Medical Attention Promptly
If symptoms such as dizziness, chest tightness, limb numbness, palpitations, or blurred vision occur, do not take chances or adopt a “wait and see” approach. Please dial 120 immediately. Seeking medical care early is the greatest responsibility to yourself and to your family.