Anti-terrorism drill held for hospital staff

Simulated explosives, Humvees, disposal robots and men in blast-proof suits: scenarios reminiscent of war movie The Hurt Locker were seen at Ditan Hospital, Beijing, on Wednesday afternoon.

The Beijing Public Security Bureau and Beijing Administration of Hospitals conducted an anti-terror drill, the first of its kind, in which more than 100 people from 21 hospitals took part.

The drill also included simulated stabbings, apprehension and grappling, performed by the SWAT team of the Beijing Public Security Bureau.

Some 840 sets of safety equipment and anti-riot equipment, including helmets, puncture-proof clothes, rubber batons, blast-proof blankets and anti-riot forks were explained to staff and donated to 21 hospitals.

The capital has tightened its anti-terrorism strategy after a series of terrorist attacks across the country.

Hospitals are usually crowded places where conflicts and extreme personal behaviors can easily occur.

"The anti-terror drill and this equipment could better ensure patients and medical staff's safety," said Ju Xiaohong, an official with Beijing Administration of Hospitals.

wangxu@chinadaily.com.cn