Red cross sets up first aid stations

Source: CCTV.com | 08-07-2008 23:04

More than 19-hundred Red Cross first aid stations have been set up across Beijing and in the areas surrounding venues, tourists sites and residential communities. Liu Ying takes a close look at what these stations will offer tourists.

Liu Ying, Beijing, said "This is a Red Cross Volunteer Service Station set up in the Forbidden City, one of the most famous historic sites in Beijing. Red Cross volunteers are here to provide healthcare consultation, treatment and emergency services to domestic and foreign tourists."

These volunteers must skillfully perform various first-aid measures. So far, they have treated some two-hundred patients since the station was set up two months ago. During the Olympics, the Forbidden City is expected to enter its travel peak period.

A red cross volunteer, said "We mainly provide emergency services. As the weather these days is very hot, heatstroke is the most common sickness among tourists who come to us for help."

The station has also had to help people who have suffered a heart attack. The station is equipped with a specialized medical instrument, called an "AED" to treat patients who suffer heart attacks.

Red Cross volunteers from the US are also here to offer their help.

Michael Wong, US Red Cross volunteer said "We help them translate the manual into English and train English-speaking first aid responders. As you know, there are going to be more than half a million visitors coming to Beijing during the period. And English-speaking, communication is important in case of emergency. We cannot rely on translator to give first aid."

Some 50-thousand domestic and International Red Cross volunteers have devoted themselves to various Olympic volunteer services. The Red Cross Society of China has also provided training for more than 1.2 million citizens for specific rescue skills.

Editor:Lan Xiujuan