During holidays and peak travel periods, railway and subway stations can become crowded and chaotic. Children, who are naturally active and prone to running around, are at increased risk of accidental injuries such as bumps, falls and puncture wounds. Recently, an emergency medical team from Tuanhe Road Emergency Station of the Fengtai Branch of Beijing 120 responded swiftly to a child who sustained an oral puncture injury at a station. Through a rapid and professional emergency response, the team brought the child's condition under control and helped ensure the child's safety.
On the day of the incident, the station was crowded with travelers coming and going. While waiting for a train with their family, a child was running and playing with a long, rigid toy in hand. The child suddenly slipped while running and lurched forward, causing the object to pierce directly into the mouth and injure the oral cavity. The child immediately burst into tears from the intense pain, with continuous bleeding from the mouth and difficulty closing the mouth normally. Alarmed by what had happened, the parents immediately called 120 for help.
After receiving the dispatch, the emergency team led by Dr. Feng Xudong from Tuanhe Road Emergency Station immediately set out for the scene. While en route, Dr. Feng quickly verified the situation. He calmly reassured the parents while providing professional instructions over the phone: do not press on the wound or attempt to wipe the inside of the child's mouth forcefully; do not allow the child to swallow large amounts of blood; keep the child's head lowered and turned to one side as much as possible to prevent blood from flowing backward and causing choking or airway obstruction; and closely supervise the child throughout to prevent crying or excessive movement from worsening the injury.
A few minutes later, the emergency team arrived at the station. They immediately cleared people from the surrounding area and created a safe temporary treatment space for the child. Nurse He Weipeng gently reassured the distressed child. Once the child had calmed down somewhat, he carefully examined the oral wound and accurately assessed the location and depth of the puncture and the extent of bleeding. The examination showed that the child had sustained a puncture injury to the oral mucosa accompanied by persistent oozing. Fortunately, the injury had not affected the throat, major blood vessels, teeth or tooth roots, and there were no signs of an immediate life-threatening condition.
The emergency personnel then strictly followed first aid procedures. They gently cleared debris and pooled blood from the child's mouth and performed appropriate bleeding control and disinfection, quickly stopping the bleeding. They also carefully checked for hidden injuries inside the oral cavity, including soft-tissue lacerations. Throughout the process, they handled the child gently and carefully to minimize pain as much as possible. Stretcher attendant Liu Jie assisted the medical staff in safely transferring the child to the ambulance. Driver Jia Jinbao then transported the child smoothly and promptly to the nearest hospital.
During transport, Dr. Feng conducted a further examination of the wound and closely monitored the child's breathing and level of alertness while continuing to reassure the child. The team promptly and safely delivered the child to the emergency department and completed a detailed handover with the hospital medical staff before leaving.
Beijing 120 Health Tip
Children are naturally active and curious, so parents should remain vigilant about safety when traveling with them and provide close supervision at all times. Whenever possible, choose toys with rounded edges and no sharp points or corners. If an accident occurs, stay calm and call 120 immediately for assistance, following the instructions provided by emergency professionals.