The death of a 69-year-old Austrian tourist to
Tibet last week has prompted questions about the first aid capacity
of the southwestern autonomous region.
Heinz Josef Hofer, a member of the largest foreign
tour group ever to visit the "roof of the world," had coronary
problems in Xigaze Prefecture on April 6 and died later at Gyangze
County Hospital.
An official from the regional tourism
administration said Hofer's daughter, a physician, performed
artificial respiration on him and the tour guide called for help
immediately. As the county hospital was not equipped with an
ambulance, they had to take a taxi there. Hofer later died despite
doctors' efforts.
"As domestic tourism booms and more tourists come
from other countries, we need to upgrade medical facilities and
technologies in remote mountainous regions in order to provide
timely treatment for tourists who may fall ill," the unnamed
official said.
He called on relevant departments to set up first
aid centers equipped with stretchers, helicopters, rescue workers
and emergency first aid facilities.
(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2005)