Life Stories

The Grind of a Chinese Emergency Room Doctor: 24/7 on Call

Title: The Grind of a Chinese Emergency Room Doctor: 24/7 on Call

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1 February 2024

The demand for emergency medical services is insatiable, and nowhere is this more apparent than in China. On Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, a video posted by a user named "毅世-淇缘" has gone viral, capturing the grueling work schedule of emergency room doctors in China. The post, which now has over 10,000 views, shows two doctors from the Sichuan University West China Hospital's emergency room stationed for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to 120 calls.

The tweet reads, "120 is a lifeline for many people, but the people behind it are a group of super busy medical staff. In Chengdu, Sichuan University West China Hospital, two emergency room doctors work in shifts to provide 120 pre-hospital care. They are on call 24/7, every day of the week, and must respond to 120 calls within three minutes." The post also highlights the long hours worked by these dedicated professionals, including their time in the intensive care unit and the emotional and physical toll they face.

The post has sparked a heated debate across social media, with some commenting on the harsh working conditions faced by these doctors. One user, "毅世-淇缘", shared a humorous quote from a doctor who joked, "I can treat my own illness after staying up late, but you can't treat yours." Another Weibo user, "甭管劝人的在干嘛", expressed their support for the doctors, writing, "We should remember that the people who stay up late are the ones who want to sleep but can't, while doctors are the ones sacrificing their sleep to save lives."

However, others criticized the long hours worked by medical staff in China, emphasizing the need for better working conditions. A user named "甭管劝人的在干嘛" commented, "Doctors and nurses are overworked, and they are not just working in the emergency room. It's the same situation for other hospital departments, as well as medical students and trainees. It's high time that more attention is given to the mental and physical well-being of these dedicated professionals."

While the tweet highlights the demanding nature of the profession, it also spotlights the dedication and tireless efforts of these doctors to save lives and provide emergency medical care to those in need. The post has generated an outpouring of empathy and support from fellow Weibo users, who acknowledge the sacrifices and hard work of these unsung heroes.

In conclusion, the viral video posted by "毅世-淇缘" has shone a light on the grueling work schedule of Chinese emergency room doctors. The post has sparked debate on Weibo about the need for better working conditions for medical staff, highlighting the importance of addressing burnout and maintaining the mental and physical health of these dedicated professionals. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of providing medical care, the unwavering commitment of these emergency room doctors is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for public health.