“Hello, 120? My elderly family member suddenly feels dizzy and is vomiting. His blood pressure has spiked.It's critical! Please help!” The panicked voice on the other end of the line immediately alerted the Beijing 120 dispatch center. The operator quickly dispatched an ambulance. Upon receiving the instruction, the Gaolizhuang Emergency Station team of the Fengtai Branch rushed to the patient’s residential community. On the way, Dr. Zhang Guopeng contacted the family to gather preliminary information: the elderly patient had a history of hypertension for over ten years. On that day, due to emotional stress, they had missed medication, and suddenly experienced severe headache and blurred vision. Their self-measured blood pressure exceeded 220/130 mmHg, classified as a high-risk hypertensive emergency with potential fatal complications such as heart attack or stroke.
As soon as the ambulance arrived, the medical team swiftly entered the building. Once inside, tasks were clearly divided and executed with precision.Dr. Zhang immediately assessed the patient’s vital signs and consciousness level, while Nurse Ma Wei quickly established an intravenous line to deliver antihypertensive medication, provided supplemental oxygen, and connected monitoring equipment to track blood pressure fluctuations in real time. Every action was meticulous and careful, leaving no room for error.
“The patient’s blood pressure remains dangerously high. Immediate hospital transfer is necessary!” Dr. Zhang decisively instructed. Considering the patient’s advanced age and frail condition, Driver Liu Baolei and stretcher-bearer Zhao Fei carefully moved the patient onto the stretcher, maintaining stability to avoid worsening the condition. During the descent, the team closely monitored vital signs while reassuring the patient: “Sir, don’t worry. We’re with you the entire way, and we’ll reach the hospital soon.”
During transport, the medical team dynamically adjusted medication dosages according to the patient’s condition, closely monitored core indicators such as blood pressure and heart rate, and used mobile terminals to establish a green channel with the hospital, transmitting the patient’s information ahead of arrival. Upon reaching the emergency department, Dr. Zhang seamlessly handed over the patient to the receiving medical staff, detailing the pre-hospital treatment and medication administered, securing precious time for subsequent care.
After treatment, the patient’s blood pressure was finally stabilized within a safe range, successfully escaping life-threatening danger. The family tightly held the hands of the emergency team, their voices choked with gratitude: “Thank you so much. You arrived quickly and transported him promptly. We can’t imagine what would have happened otherwise!”
Beijing 120 reminds the public that hypertensive emergencies can occur suddenly and progress rapidly, and delayed treatment can be life-threatening. Patients with hypertension should follow medical advice and take medications regularly, avoid emotional stress and excessive fatigue, and monitor their blood pressure routinely. If sudden dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or limb numbness occurs, immediately call 120 for help to secure the golden time for life-saving treatment.