Local firefighters have been training on rescue operations for the 9th Asian Winter Games, which opened Friday in Harbin, the provincial capital of Heilongjiang in northeast China.
The drills simulate emergency situations, including rescuing people stranded in cable cars, injured skiers, and those who fall through the ice in ice sports events.
"We are to ensure safety and reliability across three areas: ski slopes, air, and ground. During the Games, we will collaborate with the medical team to do a good job in transferring injured athletes and remain ready to cope with unexpected cable car malfunctions," said Zhang Xiaoqian, deputy director of the training division of the Harbin Fire Brigade.
Running from Feb 7 to 14, the Games marks China's first major international ice and snow event since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and the third time for China to host the Asian Winter Games, and the second time for Harbin.
Featuring a total of 64 events across 11 winter sports disciplines, including biathlon, curling, ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating, skiing, and ski mountaineering, the Games has gathered 1,275 competitors from 34 countries and regions, making it the largest ever edition of the Games in terms of overall participation.
Rescue team conducts training for safe Asian Winter Games
Rescue team conducts training for safe Asian Winter Games
