Early one morning recently, a 120 emergency medical team from Huaishuling Emergency Station of the Fengtai Branch of Beijing 120 responded efficiently to an emergency involving a fall from height. A person had fallen from a height of approximately two meters and sustained injuries in a village within the station's service area. Upon receiving the dispatch, the emergency team immediately set out. While en route, the physician called the scene based on the information provided by the dispatcher to verify the situation. Because the caller was not a family member of the injured person, information about the patient's specific injuries was limited. After confirming the exact address, the physician immediately instructed those at the scene not to move the patient and to leave the patient in the original position while waiting for professional assistance. At the same time, the nurse checked and prepared the necessary emergency equipment, medications and trauma supplies, while the stretcher attendant prepared for rapid patient transfer. These preparations ensured that the team could begin emergency care efficiently immediately upon arrival.

Upon reaching the scene, the emergency personnel promptly assessed the patient's condition. The patient was conscious and had no obvious external injuries, but complained of shortness of breath and severe lower-back pain, along with numbness and limited movement in both legs. According to the patient's family, the patient had fallen while installing a window after accidentally stepping into empty space. No safety protection measures had been used during the work. The emergency team worked with personnel at the scene to carefully transfer the patient onto a stretcher using a proper log-roll and lateral-transfer technique, maintaining the patient in a supine position. Oxygen was administered during transport, while the patient's vital signs were closely monitored throughout. The patient was ultimately transported safely to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

In response to the potential health risks associated with falls from height, the Fengtai Branch has issued the following safety advice. For prevention, when carrying out work at height, repairing windowsills, or working on scaffolding or rooftops, workers should properly wear safety harnesses and install protective barriers. Ladders should be placed on stable surfaces. Climbing from one side of a ladder or standing on the top rung to work is strictly prohibited. On wet or slippery surfaces, anti-slip mats should be used promptly. At home, appropriate safety measures should be taken around windows to protect children. Tables, chairs and other furniture that children could climb onto should not be placed near windows. Cushioning mats should be installed beneath areas where work is being carried out at height whenever appropriate. People should never work at height after drinking alcohol or when physically exhausted, dizzy or otherwise unwell, as these conditions can increase the risk of losing balance and falling.

For emergency response, if a person who has fallen from height develops severe pain in the lower back or neck, numbness orweaknessin the limbs, do not allow them to get up, turn over or walk around on their own. Unnecessary movement may worsen a fracture or cause displaced bone fragments to compress nerves, potentially resulting in irreversible damage. If the person also experiences dizziness, vomiting, persistent abdominal pain, bleeding from the mouth or nose, or altered consciousness, call 120 immediately and seek appropriate imaging examinations as soon as possible. Even when the injury appears to be only a minor abrasion, 6–12 hours of observation is recommended when medically appropriate to rule out the possibility of delayed bleeding. After an injury, do not massage swollen or painful areas or apply heat, as these measures may worsen internal bleeding and swelling.

Beijing 120 Health Tip

Injuries caused by falls from height can be difficult to detect and may carry serious risks if handled improperly. The public should maintain a strong awareness of safety, while employers and construction organizations should strictly follow workplace safety procedures and ensure that personnel have basic first aid knowledge. Together, we can build a stronger line of defense for life and safety.