At the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, the spotlight isn’t only on athletes breaking records—it’s also shining on the unsung heroes keeping them safe: a specialized team of ski doctors. These medical professionals navigate icy slopes and subzero temperatures, equipped with heavy-duty kits and helicopters, to ensure rapid emergency responses during high-risk competitions.
From Backpacks to Air Rescues
Working in sync with pilots and event coordinators, the team practices scenarios ranging from frostbite treatment to trauma care. Their gear includes portable defibrillators, splints designed for rapid application, and thermal blankets to stabilize athletes during transportation. Helicopters standby at all times, ready to airlift critical cases to nearby hospitals within minutes.
Training for the Extreme
‘We train year-round for these conditions,’ said Dr. Li Wei, a lead medic on the team. ‘Every second counts when temperatures drop below -20°C.’ The medics, many of whom are competitive skiers themselves, emphasize that their work blends medical expertise with athletic precision—a dual skill set critical for navigating Harbin’s challenging terrain.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
