Chongqing - Chongqing is expanding public first aid training and emergency response infrastructure, aiming to equip more residents with lifesaving skills during the critical "golden four minutes" after a medical emergency.

At a pop-up "street first aid classroom" held on January 19 in Wansheng District, Red Cross volunteer Li Yaojun demonstrated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to passersby at a public square. Shoppers paused to watch, record videos on their phones, and practice the techniques on training mannequins.

Improving public emergency response capability has been listed as a key objective in Chongqing's 2025 public wellbeing agenda, reflecting growing concern over sudden cardiac arrest and other time-sensitive medical emergencies.

Residents learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid skills during a training session organized by the Chongqing Red Cross Society. (Photo: Deng Yan)

First Aid Training Taken to the Streets

Rather than relying solely on classrooms, Chongqing has adopted a mobile, drop-in approach to first aid education. Training sessions are held in markets, parks, community centers, and other high-traffic areas, allowing residents to "learn and practice on the spot," according to Li.

In addition to CPR, volunteers provide instruction on bleeding control, choking response, fracture immobilization, and safe patient transport.

"For emergency care, practice matters," said Ye Yingyi, a participant at the event. "Only when you do it yourself do you understand the correct pressure, position, and rhythm."

China records an estimated 550,000 sudden cardiac deaths each year, making rapid bystander intervention critical, Chongqing Red Cross officials said.

In 2025, the city organized more than 4,700 public first aid training sessions, reaching over 410,000 people in six types of high-density locations, including schools, transport hubs, sports venues, and senior care facilities. Officials said the initiative increased first aid awareness among permanent residents by 1.3 percentage points.

Expanding Access to Defibrillators

Alongside training, Chongqing is accelerating the installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces.

Earlier this month, a teacher at a vocational school in central Chongqing collapsed during an exercise session. Two school medical staff retrieved an on-site AED and performed CPR and defibrillation before emergency services arrived, helping stabilize the patient.

Since the start of 2025, Chongqing has installed 387 new AEDs in public venues such as schools, transport centers, shopping districts, and sports facilities.

To ensure usability during emergencies, AED location data has been integrated into citywide emergency apps, enabling users to find nearby devices with real-time navigation. More than 1,400 AEDs across the city are now connected to the 120 emergency dispatch system, which automatically alerts emergency operators when a device is activated.

Authorities are also working with major digital mapping platforms to display AED locations directly on mobile maps.

People can search for the nearest AED using the "Yukuaijiu" mini program or mobile app in Chongqing. (Photo: Deng Yan)

From Bystanders to First Responders

The city is also seeking to address hesitation among bystanders to intervene during emergencies.

On January 9, a Red Cross volunteer driving along a national highway stopped to assist two people injured in a motorcycle collision. Using skills learned in training, he controlled severe bleeding, coordinated bystanders to move the injured to safety, and handed over to police and ambulance crews upon arrival.

Officials say such cases demonstrate the impact of sustained training efforts. In 2025, 44,700 Chongqing residents completed certification as Red Cross first aiders. Certified individuals can apply through government platforms to join a citywide volunteer emergency response network.

"Public emergency response is not just about equipment," said Chen Rui, deputy director of the Chongqing Red Cross rescue and relief department. "It's about building confidence, competence, and cooperation across society."