Saving lives with the 120-hotline emergency nightshift crew
By Cui Meng, Published: 2021-01-10 23:48:37
Photo: Cui Meng/GT
Editor's Note:
From November 30 to December 28, 2020, 52,937 emergency vehicles were dispatched by Beijing Emergency Medical Center in total, equivalent to 78 vehicles every hour. "Don't be afraid, I'm here!" is what Yang Jie, a 37-year-old doctor, says every time he meets with his patients. The ambulance is Chen Jie's proud "home." "We have a lot of advanced equipment on board, and with that, we have the ability to make sure that pre-hospital treatment is as successful as possible; to earn extra time for our patients." Chen Jie introduced that the ambulance's drugs are the same as in a hospital, and treatment can basically be covered by medical insurance. Each ambulance has a payment standard, which is open and transparent, and not as expensive as people think. GT’s journalist spent a night with a 120-hotline crew of Beijing Emergency Medical Center to record their quick reactions as they prepare to be called to an emergency. (Photos: Cui Meng/GT)

Chen Jie, a doctor at the Beijing Emergency Medical Center waits with his crew for a call on Friday. Dr. Chen and his crew are on standby at duty station. Once the dispatcher gives an order, they will race to the scene of the emergency. Photo: Cui Meng/GT
Dr. Chen checks the online system to confirm his emergency response. Photo: Cui Meng/GT
Dr. Chen makes sure a portable oxygen tank is in good working order. Photo: Cui Meng/GT
Dr. Chen carefully checks his case of emergency medicines. Photo: Cui Meng/GT
Photo: Cui Meng/GT
Photo: Cui Meng/GT
Photo: Cui Meng/GT
Photo: Cui Meng/GT
Photo: Cui Meng/GT
Photo: Cui Meng/GT
Photo: Cui Meng/GT
Photo: Cui Meng/GT
Photo: Cui Meng/GT