Medical Emergency China: Foreign Patient Guide

China’s emergency medical system is efficient and foreign-patient-friendly—follow these steps to get immediate care if you face a medical emergency during your stay:

1. Call for Emergency Assistance

In any life-threatening or urgent situation, dial 120 (China’s national emergency hotline)—available 24/7, nationwide.

• The operator will ask for your location, symptoms, and whether you need an ambulance.
• If you don’t speak Chinese, say “English” clearly—many operators have basic English skills, or they will connect you to a translator.
• Ambulances are equipped with professional medical staff and life-saving equipment, and response times are fast in major cities (5–15 minutes).

2. Emergency Department (ED) Process

Once you arrive at the hospital’s ED (all tier-3 hospitals have 24-hour emergency care), follow this process:

1. Triage Desk: A nurse will assess your condition and prioritize your care (critical patients are seen first).
2. Treatment First, Registration Later: For life-threatening conditions (e.g., heart attack, severe injury), hospitals provide treatment first, registration and payment later—no need to worry about delays.
3. Registration & Payment: After initial stabilization, you or your companion will complete registration (using your passport) and pay for services.

3. Tips for International Patients in Emergencies

• Carry your passport and medical information: Keep a copy of your medical records, allergies, and current medications in your wallet or phone.
• Ask for an interpreter: ED staff can arrange a medical translator if you need help explaining symptoms or understanding treatment.
• Contact your hotel or our team: If you’re traveling alone, inform your accommodation or our support team so they can assist with logistics.

Important: Avoid going to small clinics for emergencies—only tier-3 hospitals or dedicated emergency centers have the equipment and staff to handle critical conditions.