【A Few Words First】

First of all, let’s talk about this: is it right or wrong for people to go outdoors and connect with nature? My view: it’s right!
    The range of human activity has expanded from small pockets on Earth to covering the entire globe, venturing into space, diving into the oceans, and exploring the universe — growing ever broader... The longing for and pursuit of nature, the exploration and development of the unknown, have never ceased due to any obstacles. This spirit must be passed on forever.
    At the same time, a reminder: the outdoors is full of many unknowns. That is the charm of nature, but also the risk. Outdoor enthusiasts should act within their capabilities and progress step by step.

Second, some good news.
     After the Beijing 7.21 floods, under the unified leadership of the Beijing Municipal Committee, the Beijing Municipal Government, and the Beijing Emergency Management Committee, the Beijing Public Security Bureau Fire Department was responsible for establishing the Beijing Comprehensive Emergency Rescue Corps. Emergency volunteer service teams were set up in districts such as Haidian, Xicheng, Tongzhou, Shunyi, Yanqing, Chaoyang, and Tiantongyuan.
    After the Lingshan incident, the emergency corps strengthened joint collaboration among rescue teams and began planning to establish a Beijing Mountain Rescue Team. At the same time, it is proposed that the government initiate a helicopter rescue mechanism. The outdoor safety assurance system is gradually improving.
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【Current Rescue Situation】

    Currently, mountain rescue around Beijing is a weak area. Official institutions that can provide rescue include local fire departments, armed police, and emergency medical centers.
    After the 2007 Lingshan Xiazi incident, caring outdoor enthusiasts in Beijing spontaneously organized the Green Field Rescue Team. Because the rescuers themselves are outdoor enthusiasts, mutual aid is self-help. They treat endangered outdoor adventurers as their own brothers, so no one ever thought of asking for any reward. Good people will be rewarded!
    Perhaps an analogy isn’t perfect, but it’s easy to understand. Official rescue is out of love and also duty-bound — like a “commercial activity” by Green Field, where mistakes may incur liability. Civilian rescue teams are like “AA activities,” where members volunteer selflessly and contribute out of goodwill — their spirit is commendable!

    Later, to enhance the strength of civilian rescue, some found sponsors or supporting partners and established many more rescue teams. Examples include the One Foundation Rescue Team, Red Arrow Rescue Team, Civil Air Defense Haotian Rescue Team, Red Star Rescue Team, Tao12 Rescue Team, and Ren’ai Rescue Team...
    Except for Blue Sky Rescue Team which has official backing and is spread across provinces, most others in Beijing are civilian rescue teams. For many years, driven by love alone, they’ve put in a lot of hard work for the outdoor community. Tireless, uncomplaining, unsung — truly admirable!
    But because they come from the civilian sector, volunteers mostly participate in their spare time. Many teams lack adequate equipment, professional training, coordinated dispatch, rapid deployment, or self-sustainment. Rescuers themselves really can’t afford to get hurt either.
    However, these issues are actively being addressed. Indeed, support from the government and all sectors of society is needed.

    So, the fastest responders after receiving a report should be local 119 (fire), 110 (police), 120 (emergency medical), and 999 (ambulance). Because their job is to be on 24-hour standby. With nearby dispatch, they can mobilize in as little as 5 minutes.
    But they don’t have as much experience in mountain climbing gear or wilderness navigation as those in rescuer teams formed by outdoor enthusiasts. In complex situations, police forces may also be insufficient.
    However, these problems may improve in the future.

    In short, both official and civilian volunteers are two major rescue forces, working together to complete rescue missions. Relevant systems still need improvement, and coordination still needs refinement. To this end, we once conducted a joint search and rescue training session for Beijing's emergency volunteers.
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【Training Experience】

    I’m new to the outdoors. After the Lingshan incident, I joined the One Foundation Rescue Reserve Team training along with many others. I got to know Hai Mao, Bug, and many other unsung, selfless team members. Whether in communication, logistics, or especially frontline search and rescue, everyone found their suitable roles based on their physical abilities and other factors. Countless people have braved wind and snow over the years, unknown to outsiders. Especially since the rescue teams have been operating without government support, their strength is still limited and they need more participation and support.
    Later, the Beijing Emergency Corps started the first batch of Beijing mountain rescue training on January 26, 2013. But the training period was six months with no leave allowed, and the requirements for age and physical fitness were relatively strict. Captain Zhao encouraged me to join too, but due to my age and frequent business trips, I couldn’t at the time. But I believe more batches of outstanding young people will provide strong support for the areas around the capital in the future.
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    Over the past month, through multiple outdoor training sessions, I feel I’ve improved my safety awareness, enhanced my risk resistance and self-rescue abilities, learned a lot of first aid knowledge, and understood the main tasks of rescue teams.
    First of all, civilian rescue is a public welfare activity. It is meant to assist official agencies in their work. The main task of civilian rescue organizations boils down to two words: find.
    Because that’s the strength of outdoor enthusiasts. We often hike and naturally have the gear, and our ability to navigate in the mountains is relatively stronger. But those two words sound simple — doing them is not easy!
    Once the target is found, if they’re just lost, then great — notify 110 that the target has been found, pack up, and lead the team out of the mountains.
    If other situations arise, then we must promptly contact 110, 119, and 120, follow their arrangements, and assist in the work.
    110 refers to the armed police, who have many powers, such as locating phones, investigating surveillance, sealing off scenes, arresting suspects, etc.
    119 is the fire department, under the Beijing Emergency Rescue Corps, and they have the authority to request government resources.
    120 and 999 are for medical emergencies—doctors handle first aid professionally. For some common injuries such as hypothermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, wound cleaning, stopping bleeding, and bandaging, trained team members can provide timely assistance. However, for more complex injuries, those without proper certification or experience should proceed with caution unless they have the consent of family members or fellow teammates. Acting without adequate knowledge can easily lead to well-intentioned but harmful actions, causing secondary injuries. For example, if someone has fallen or an elderly person has had a slip, spinal misalignment injuries are common. Without proper assessment, attempting to carry or move the injured person hastily may result in permanent paralysis.
    (Previously, I used the example of inexperienced people performing CPR and accidentally breaking ribs, which could be misunderstood by some. To promote mutual understanding while seeking common ground, I’ve replaced it with another example.)
    To do good, one must first acquire the necessary skills. Compassion is important, but medical expertise is equally vital. Here’s some newly obtained information for those enthusiastic about saving lives and helping the injured: The medical team of the Beijing Emergency Rescue Corps regularly holds training sessions, and upon passing the assessment, participants receive first aid certifications recognized by the Red Cross. In the interest of being responsible to others, it is recommended that all team members, leaders, and outdoor enthusiasts undergo formal training. This will effectively enhance outdoor safety and improve the success rate of pre-hospital emergency care.
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【How to Seek Help】

    Outdoor safety cannot be ensured by simply chanting the slogan “safety first.” Practical and feasible safety measures are essential.
    But it’s not the one-in-a-thousand chance you worry about—it’s the one-in-a-million. People twist their ankles crossing the street, so what happens when trouble strikes in the mountains?
    Experienced outdoor enthusiasts prioritize self-rescue first. Since my articles are based on personal experience, I’ll share more on this topic for beginners later.
    When you need to seek help from the outside world, understanding the various rescue organizations allows you to take targeted action.

First, clear location, accidental injury
    In such cases, you should call 120 or 999.
    Clearly state your location and the nature of the injury, then wait for medical personnel.

Second, lost in deep mountains, but all individuals are healthy
    First, try to contact nearby hikers via walkie-talkie to guide you.
    If you can’t reach anyone, call the local 110 or 119 police hotline, then contact the local rescue team.
    Try to describe the terrain, people involved, food, water, and other conditions.
    For general terrains, 110 and 119 will usually arrive quickly for rescue.
    For complex terrains, rescue personnel may coordinate with armed police and firefighters to conduct search and rescue operations in the mountains.

Third, large group, multiple people trapped or injured
    After calling 120, 999, 110, and 119, also try to contact multiple rescue teams if possible,
    because evacuating the injured requires manpower—every extra pair of hands helps compensate for insufficient police resources, which is where volunteers come in.
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【Purchasing Insurance】

    The reason is simple: risk awareness is essential, and 120 services are not free.
    Lvyehu (Green Field) offers the Freelancer Outdoor Insurance. There are two types: Freelancer One at 5 RMB/day, covering only external injuries; Freelancer Two at 10 RMB/day, which additionally covers sudden illnesses such as fever.
    For example, here’s the insurance notice for an activity I joined:
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    The above is a summary of insights I’ve gained from half a year of outdoor experiences. My level is still quite low, and I’m continuously learning. If there’s anything inappropriate, please feel free to offer guidance, experienced hikers.
    Final reminder: the most breathtaking views are often found on the most perilous peaks. While the spirit of exploration is commendable, reckless behavior is not. Nature offers humanity countless beautiful landscapes, but hikers are not scientific researchers—we don’t necessarily have to venture into “forbidden zones.” The joy of the outdoors is built upon a foundation of safety.