Visiting, Studying, or Working Short-Term: How to Call 120 for a Medical Emergency in Beijing

In Beijing, call 120 immediately for severe chest pain, breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, or another critical condition. Do not delay emergency treatment while waiting for a hospital appointment, a school referral, or authorization from an insurer. The 120 service is available to short-term visitors, international students, and employees; nationality and enrollment in Chinese medical insurance do not change the urgency of emergency care.

Give the location first, then describe the condition

Where possible, provide the district, street, street number, floor, and a prominent nearby landmark, then give the patient's age, sex, main symptoms, and whether they are conscious and breathing. If you have difficulty communicating in Chinese, ask hotel reception staff, a school teacher, a colleague, or a passerby for help. Do not hang up first; follow the dispatcher's instructions and keep your phone available.

Make it easier for the ambulance to find the patient

If it is safe, arrange for someone to meet the ambulance at the entrance, clear the access route, and prepare the patient's passport, medical history, allergy information, and a list of current medications. Do not move someone with a suspected cervical spine injury or severe trauma unnecessarily, and do not give water or medicine to an unconscious person.

Fees, insurance, and referrals after emergency treatment can be dealt with later; payment concerns must not take priority over life safety. The Beijing Municipal Government's Guide to Medical Services in Beijing for Foreign Nationals provides general medical information. For emergency service guidance, see the Beijing Emergency Medical Center's official content.