Dr Yang is ready for all emergencies

Although he is working in one of the most popular zones in the Expo Garden, Yang Le doesn't have time to enjoy the Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Dr Yang, 31, a surgeon from Shanghai Shuguang Hospital, is one of more than 100 medical staff responsible for handling medical emergencies in the Expo Garden.

"The job in the medical station is more stressful and busier than in a hospital," he said.

"The European section is very popular among visitors, but for us, it means stress," Dr Yang said, adding that there have been as many as 250 patients a day to this medical station.

"Most of the patients suffer from heat stroke, or minor injuries like bruises and sprains," he said.

"From 10 am to 3 pm is the busiest time; sometimes we don't even have time for lunch. We just quickly eat some instant noodles and get back to treating patients."

Dr Yang's shift lasts from either 8 am to 4 pm or from 4 pm to midnight. When he gets to work, he first checks medicines and equipment and prepares for the station's opening, although there is still an hour before the Expo Garden opens to the public.

"My family and friends envy me for working at Expo, but they don't realize how hard I work. It is not as easy as they imagine."

Organizers for the Expo 2010 Shanghai prepared a detailed medical support plan to help with emergencies at the event. There are a number of health service stations scattered throughout the Expo Garden, including five medical stations. Seven ambulances are stationed in the Expo Garden to transfer patients to the nearest hospitals if need be.

The medical staff working at the Expo Garden were chosen from local hospitals after several rounds of rigorous selection processes. Most of them are well respected in their hospitals and each has seven to eight years working experience.

"Visitors should take care of themselves and rest more. Perhaps, some visitors touring in Shanghai will not be acclimated," Dr Yang said. "For women, do not wear high-heel shoes, as the ankle sprains easily."

Dr Yang also suggested parents not take children younger than four years old to the Expo.

"They are too young to understand the Expo and they can easily get sick in such a large gathering," he said.

"Some sick visitors are in a bad mood and often complain. But we are patient with them," Dr Yang said. "We are trying to give them the best medical service we can when they come to the city."