The recent temperature drop has increased the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular emergencies.What should you do if a family member suffers a heart attack or stroke?
Recently, the emergency department team at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, encountered a case where a stroke patient abruptly hung up during a distress call without providing their name or address. Fortunately, through extensive efforts of "door-to-door searching," this harrowing emergency rescue concluded successfully.
Name unknown. Address unknown.
Emergency team conducts door-to-door search.
"When we received the dispatch call from 120, the caller was unreachable and the exact address was unknown," recalled Nurse Luo Yuan from the Emergency Department. On December 26 last year, the department received an incomplete dispatch order:The patient's name field read "Unknown." It turned out that when the 120 dispatch center received the emergency call, the caller hung up abruptly before fully explaining the situation. Subsequent attempts to call back reached a disconnected line. Due to the caller's unclear pronunciation, the dispatcher could only record a suspected address. Upon receiving the dispatch, the emergency department immediately dispatched a rescue team to the suspected location.
According to Dr. Wang Pengfei's recollection, upon reaching the street indicated on the dispatch form, the team learned from nearby residents that the suspected address's house number "didn't exist at all."After coordination, the 120 command center pinpointed several locations between Panxi Restaurant and Liwan Lake in Yuexiu District via phone. Suspecting the caller had likely lost consciousness and was in critical condition, the team decided to search door-to-door within the residential complex.
Knocking on doors while loudly asking if anyone had called 120, the team searched extensively but found no leads, leaving the rescue operation at an impasse.
Community Committee Steps In to Pinpoint Target
Team's Ingenuity Secures Rescue
As time passed, the rescue team grew increasingly concerned about the caller's condition. To broaden their search, they contacted the local community committee. After understanding the situation, the committee immediately led the emergency team to the residences of two elderly individuals living alone within the neighborhood. Still, they failed to locate the caller.
Just as the rescue effort reached another dead end, the team suddenly thought to search for a WeChat account via the phone. They discovered a WeChat ID named "Shao." After recontacting the 120 command center, the team learned the caller was likely an elderly person surnamed Chen. Through combined efforts, the neighborhood committee and the team finally located a suspected elderly resident nearby. The rescue team immediately drove to the address.
Upon arrival, the emergency team found the door locked. Peering through the crack, they spotted an elderly man lying motionless on the floor. In a critical moment, Wang Pengfei reached through the gap, unlocked the iron gate, and finally reached the distressed individual.
Patient Diagnosed with Acute Cerebral Infarction
Green Channel Saves Lives
According to Wang Pengfei, the patient presented with complete right-sided hemiplegia and slurred speech. Initial assessment indicated acute cerebral infarction. The team swiftly transported him to the ambulance, where emergency treatment was administered. The patient gradually regained consciousness.
Upon arrival at the hospital emergency department, the team immediately activated the stroke green channel. The patient underwent a timely CT scan while neurology and neurosurgery teams rushed to the scene for consultation. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, the optimal treatment plan was formulated. Currently, the patient has passed the critical phase and remains under observation in the emergency department.
How to seek emergency help?
Clearly describe symptoms and location
In an emergency, how can you correctly dial 120 to ensure the emergency team locates the patient promptly?
Wang Pengfei advises that symptoms such as dizziness, weakness in one side of the body, reduced mobility, numbness on one side, slurred speech, or difficulty swallowing may indicate a cerebral infarction/stroke. Immediately call 120 for assistance. It is also crucial to have a conscious family member or friend present to handle potential emergencies.
When calling for help, clearly state the address down to the district, street, and house number, and keep the line open to improve rescue efficiency.
While awaiting emergency services, both the patient and their companions should remain as calm as possible. If the patient vomits, position them face-down or on their side to prevent airway obstruction and suffocation. Avoid repeatedly changing the patient's position to prevent falls. For external bleeding, apply pressure with tissues or a dry towel to stop the bleeding.