Beijing 999 Urgent Care Centre launched the first helicopter first aid activities in January this year, through which an injured foreign boy was successfully transferred from Zhangjiakou to Beijing for treatment. However, the rescue action lasting 190 minutes cost $100,000 and not all of the ordinary people can bear so high costs.  

Some experts believe that, at present, China's helicopter emergency medical system has just started and the high costs indeed impede its development. Actually, in the United States, Japan and other developed countries, national helicopter rescue systems have already been established. Aviation rescue is conducted through bill paid by the Government; service purchased by the Government, business operation and so many models. While the controversy over helicopter first aid system in our country is still in the phase "Who is going to buy the bill". In response, the vice president of Beijing Municipal Red Cross 999 Urgent Care Centre, Mr. Tian Zhenbia said they are currently trying to use insurance for market operation. They are now establishing contact with insurance companies and Red Cross Foundations.

According to estimates by Beijing 999 Urgent Care Centre, if first aid is available in the aerial first aid field with large insured population, an ordinary citizen only need pay around $300 for helicopter first aid when necessary. What’s more, if the insurance promotion proceeds smoothly, the helicopter is expected to be popular within two years in Beijing. But the related personnel of Capital Airlines Helicopter also pointed that parking and maintenance of helicopter should be resolved for popularizing helicopter rescue, in addition to finding the buyer.

At present, the Civil Aviation Administration intends to simplify the procedures for the ultimate realization of fly as long as there is an apron only.

Currently, China’s helicopter rescue is still in the Line 2 transhipment phase. Professional medical rescue helicopters are necessary for real implementation of first-line emergency rescue. This kind of EMS helicopter has the same internal configuration as ambulances with all the first-aid equipments inside. Finally, it is necessary to support rescue services and strengthen the training for Air Doctors.