PUCMH Emergency Room Horror Stories?

Question

So, I'm heading to @Beijing next month for a conference, and naturally, I'm a little worried about getting sick. Heard Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUCMH) is top-notch, but also...intense. My friend, who lives there, says it's basically a scene from ER on steroids, but with far better doctors. I'm trying to plan for the worst, you know? Anyone have any... *lighthearted* stories about their experiences in the emergency room there? I need to mentally prepare myself for anything short of a full-blown surgical drama. Seriously though, any tips for navigating that place if I end up needing help would be appreciated!

emmi · Answer

Haha, "ER on steroids" is pretty accurate. My experience wasn't a *horror* story, per se, but it was... memorable. I wound up there after a particularly aggressive bout of food poisoning (street food, my bad!). The place was *packed*, seriously like a scene from a disaster movie. But the staff were incredibly efficient, almost robotic in their precision. I got seen surprisingly quickly, considering, and the doctor spoke excellent English. The whole thing felt incredibly clinical, almost sterile, which was both reassuring and a little impersonal. They got me hooked up to an IV drip faster than you can say "ma la tang." Just...bring your patience and a good book. And maybe some earplugs, it's *loud*. Also, learn a few basic Mandarin phrases, it might help you feel a bit more in control amidst the chaos. Good luck with your conference!

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