The injured tourist received prompt treatment from volunteers ■ Photo by Dou Wei.
Rescue Drill Turns Into Real Emergency
A Red Cross volunteer first aid team was conducting a wilderness rescue drill when a tourist suddenly suffered a serious leg injury.
Yesterday, Dou Wei, head of publicity for the Shenyang Red Cross Volunteer Work Committee, recounted the full story of the wilderness rescue.
Wilderness Drill Meets Real Injury
On February 23, the Shenyang Red Cross Volunteer Committee organized a group of volunteers to conduct a wilderness rescue training exercise in Qipanshan Scenic Area.
Around 11 a.m., as the training team was conducting exercises near the scenic area’s north gate, “a tourist playing a skiing game on a slope accidentally collided with a large rock, fell to the ground instantly, and shocked everyone nearby,” Dou Wei recalled.
Rescue Drill Becomes Real Rescue
Seeing the incident unfold, the volunteer team quickly approached the injured person. “The victim was a woman in her fifties who had sustained a severe ankle injury and was in great pain,” Dou Wei said. She was accompanied by several companions, but the sudden situation left them all at a loss.
In response, the first aid team leader immediately stepped forward, taking out triangular bandages, bandages, and splints. First aid personnel quickly applied emergency bandages and immobilization to prevent further injury. After the initial treatment, the volunteers noticed that due to the companions’ panic, they were unable to clearly explain the situation when calling 120 for an ambulance. The first aid staff then assisted in contacting the emergency responders, explaining the site conditions and exact location.
Several minutes later, the ambulance arrived. However, due to the steep slope, the vehicle couldn’t get close. Volunteers then helped medical staff carry the injured woman on a stretcher to the ambulance. But shortly after the ambulance started moving, its tires slipped on the icy road. Volunteers then took off their coats to help the driver push the vehicle free, and also safely escorted the injured woman’s companions out of the mountain area.
“The rescue drill turned into a real operation, and the volunteer first aiders handled the whole process in an orderly manner,” Dou Wei said. After the injured woman was loaded into the ambulance, other tourists applauded and many expressed interest in joining the volunteer team.
■ Reminder
For Sudden Bone Injuries
Don’t Move the Patient rashly
Dou Wei reminds the public that in the event of a bone injury at home or while traveling, do not rush to move the person. Carefully assess the injury to avoid causing secondary harm.
In cases of fractures, use available materials such as wooden boards or sticks to create a splint to stabilize the injury. If there is bleeding, stop it immediately. Call emergency services right away, and while waiting for help, monitor the patient’s condition and keep them calm.
When emergency personnel arrive, provide a clear and concise description of the injury to assist them effectively.
Dou Wei also emphasizes that the diet of the injured should focus on light, appetizing, easily digestible, and absorbable foods—such as vegetables, eggs, bean products, fruits, fish soup, and lean meat. Meals should be prepared mainly through steaming, stewing, or boiling, avoiding frying, deep-frying, or stir-frying. Common folk remedies like soybean and bone soup are often greasy, high in fat, and hard to digest—so it’s best to avoid them during this period.