Over the past century

over 40 earthquakes measuring ≥7 on the Richter scale have occurred worldwide; of those

10 took place in China and killed 600

000 people (accounting for 53% of the total number of global deaths due to earthquakes). On May 12

2008

an 8.0-magnitude earthquake occurred in Wenchuan

Sichuan Province. In this disaster

69

000 people were killed

18

000 people were reported missing

and 37

000 people were injured

including more than 10

000 who were seriously injured. Trauma was the most commonly observed type of injury

with fractures accounting for 74% of all injury cases. On April 14

2010

a 7.1-magnitude earthquake occurred in Yushu

in Qinghai Province. In this disaster

2

698 people were killed

270 people were reported missing

and 11

000 people were injured

including more than 3

100 who were seriously injured. Fracture injury accounted for 58.4% of all injury cases. After each earthquake

the Chinese Army Medical Services responded promptly

according to the previously established guidelines

and sent out elite forces to the disaster areas

with the objectives of organizing

coordinating and participating in an efficient and evidence-based medical rescue effort. After the Wenchuan earthquake

397 mobile medical service teams including 7

061 health workers were sent to the disaster areas. A total of 69

000 casualties were treated

and 22

000 surgeries were performed. After the Yushu earthquake

25 mobile medical service teams involving 2

025 health workers were sent. They performed 1

635 surgeries and created an astounding outcome of "zero deaths" in the aftermath of the earthquake during their treatment of casualties in a high-altitude region. Within a week after each earthquake

the military teams rescued approximately 60% of the total number of rescued casualties and evacuated approximately 80% of the total number of evacuated sick or wounded victims

playing a critical role and making invaluable contributions to earthquake relief. The experience and lessons learned from the rescue efforts of the Chinese military after the two earthquakes have highlighted several key aspects in emergency medical rescue: 1) medical rescue theories must be updated; 2) military-civilian cooperation must be stressed; 3) professional rescue forces must be strengthened; 4) supporting facilities must be improved; and 5) international exchanges and cooperation must be deepened.