Objective To retrospectively analyze the rescue activities of 11 foreign medical teams during the Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan, China, and summarize their rescue patterns and procedures to provide a reference for disaster medical treatment. Methods Statistics in the study are based on information from the Sichuan Provincial Earthquake Relief Headquarters. The authors also directly involved foreign medical teams in the data collection and statistical analysis. Results The different rescue patterns and procedures of foreign medical teams were based on specific conditions and were in strict accordance with scientific and prudent work processes. This resulted in high efficiency and effectiveness in the rescue. Conclusion Chinese medical staff could learn from foreign medical teams’ serious work attitude, patient service, and scientific working patterns.
Shortly after the disastrous Wenchuan earthquake, a harmonious working environment for healthcare professionals both at home and abroad has been formed in West China Hospital, under an integrated managerial framework and working model. Four foreign medical teams consisting of over 70 professionals and foreign medical materials weighing about 8 tons have been accepted. This model may provide references for the reception of foreign medical teams during the emergent medical rescue for any unexpected event in the future.