Understanding "急救" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 急救
• Pinyin: jí jiù
• Literal Meaning: "urgent" (急) + "rescue/save" (救)
• Primary Meaning: Emergency medical treatment or first aid; immediate assistance given to someone in a critical or life-threatening situation.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"急救" is used in situations requiring urgent medical attention, such as accidents, sudden illnesses, or injuries. It refers to the immediate actions taken to stabilize a person's condition before professional medical help arrives. The term is commonly seen in hospitals (急救中心 - emergency center), on first-aid kits (急救箱), and in public safety instructions.

Character Breakdown

• 急 (jí): Means "urgent," "quick," or "anxious." It conveys the need for immediate action.
• 救 (jiù): Means "to rescue," "to save," or "to help." It indicates the act of providing assistance.
  Together, the characters emphasize the urgency and life-saving nature of the action.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 他受伤了，需要立即急救。
   Pinyin: Tā shòushāng le, xūyào lìjí jíjiù.
   English: He is injured and needs immediate first aid.

2. Chinese: 请拨打120叫急救车。
   Pinyin: Qǐng bōdǎ 120 jiào jíjiù chē.
   English: Please call 120 for an ambulance.

3. Chinese: 学习急救知识可以挽救生命。
   Pinyin: Xuéxí jíjiù zhīshi kěyǐ wǎnjiù shēngmìng.
   English: Learning first aid can save lives.

Cultural Notes

In China, "急救" is a critical concept in public health and safety. The emergency number for medical assistance is 120, similar to 911 in the U.S. Many public places, such as subway stations and schools, are equipped with first-aid kits (急救箱) and defibrillators. The government and organizations also promote first-aid training to improve public awareness and preparedness.

Conclusion

"急救" (jí jiù) is an essential term meaning "emergency medical treatment" or "first aid." It combines urgency (急) and rescue (救), highlighting the importance of quick action in critical situations. Remember it for emergencies, and don’t forget China’s medical emergency number: 120!

Sources and Further Reading

• MDBG Chinese Dictionary: 急救
• Wiktionary: 急救
• HSK vocabulary reference dataset

Dictionary links are provided for independent reference. Example sentences and learning notes on this page are educational explanations rather than dictionary quotations.