Following No 1 Hospital of Shanxi Medical University and No 2 Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, the People's Liberation Army 264 Hospital became the third hospital in Shanxi province to provide emergency air rescue services.

The launch ceremony for cooperation between Shanxi Company of China Taiping Insurance Group, Shanxi Branch of Kingwing General Aviation Co and the 264 Hospital was held in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on Jan 30.

Air rescue plays an irreplaceable role in responding to medical emergencies, especially in difficult terrain such as mountainous areas and in water.

In suitable weather conditions, for patients with life-threatening injuries, an air rescue is available.

Taiping Insurance and Kingwing in Shanxi have signed an agreement to deepen cooperation, offering affordable air rescue services for residents, costing only 365 yuan ($58) per year for members of Kingwing.

Air rescue services are provided within a radius of 150 kilometers of the hospital.

Medical staff at the 264 Hospital transfer a patient from a helicopter during an air rescue drill in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, Jan 30. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]