Diary of a Long-Distance Ambulance Transfer in Xi'an: My Mother's Journey from Xijing Hospital to West China Hospital in Chengdu

The day my mother was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer, I felt like the world had fallen apart.

After two months of treatment at Xijing Hospital in Xi'an, our doctor recommended transferring to West China Hospital in Chengdu to try a new treatment plan. The journey from Xi'an to Chengdu covers over 700 kilometers—a challenging trip for my mother, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

Why transfer hospitals?

My mother has completed two rounds of chemotherapy in Xi'an, but the results have been disappointing. Tumor markers continue to rise, and CT scans show no significant reduction in the tumor lesions.

The attending physician frankly told us, "Xijing Hospital has extensive experience in lung cancer treatment, but Huaxi Hospital has recently introduced a new targeted therapy regimen that is leading the country. We recommend you consider transferring to another hospital."

Considerations for transferring care:

• Chengdu West China Hospital offers more suitable treatment options.
• Mother's condition requires close monitoring.
• Professional transport required for 700 km

Difficult choice of shipping method

For the 700-kilometer journey, we considered three options:

Option 1: Airplane

Pros: Fast delivery, arrives in 1.5 hoursDrawbacks：

• After chemotherapy, my mother is too weak to withstand high-altitude pressure.
• Applying for specialized medical care involves a complex process.
• Inconvenient airport-to-hospital shuttle service

Option 2: High-Speed Rail

Pros: relatively stable, arriving in 4 hoursDrawbacks：

• Mother cannot sit or stand for long periods.
• Limited space inside the carriage makes caregiving difficult.
• Requires multiple transfers

Option 3: Long-Distance Ambulance

Pros：

• Point-to-point service, no transfers
• Continuous medical monitoring
• Adjust your itinerary as needed based on your condition.Drawbacks：
• Takes a while, approximately 10-12 hours.
• Higher cost

After a family meeting, we choseLong-distance ambulance transportIt may take longer, but safety and comfort are the top priorities.

Preparation Before Shipment

After finalizing the plan, I began contacting shipping services. This process turned out to be more complex than I expected:

Required materials:

• Complete medical record of Xijing Hospital
• Recent test results (CT scans, blood tests, etc.)
• Discharge Summary and Transfer Certificate
• Mother's ID card and medical insurance card
• Reception Certificate from West China Hospital

Key Communication Points:

• Mother's condition: late-stage lung cancer, undergoing chemotherapy, physically weak
• Special requirements: Oxygen support may be needed; emergency equipment may be required.
• Route Planning: Xi'an to Chengdu, All Expressway
• Estimated time: 10-12 hours

Based on the mother's condition, staff recommend:

• Intensive Care Ambulance (with Ventilator)
• A doctor and two nurses
• Adequate oxygen and first-aid supplies

Detailed record for the day of transfer

Departure prep at 6:00 AM

The ambulance arrived promptly downstairs at Xijing Hospital.

Onboard Equipment List:

• Stretcher Bed (Adjustable Angle)
• ECG Monitor
• Ventilator
• Oxygen Tank (4)
• First Aid Kit
• Infusion Equipment

Dr. Zhang and Nurse Liu, who were on duty, first reviewed my mother's medical records and then thoroughly inspected all equipment. They informed me that Dr. Zhang has 15 years of emergency experience and Nurse Liu specializes in transporting oncology patients.

Depart at 7:00 AM

Mother was carefully transferred to the vehicle. The stretcher was adjusted to a semi-reclined position for her comfort.

Initial state:

• Blood Pressure: 125/80 mmHg
• Heart rate: 88 bpm
• Oxygen Saturation: 96%
• Breathing: Steady

Dr. Zhang said: "All vitals are normal; we're ready to go."

10:00 AM – First Break

Drove approximately 200 km and stopped at Hanzhong Service Area for a break.

Nurse Liu measured the mother's vital signs:

• Blood Pressure: 120/78 mmHg
• Heart rate: 85 bpm
• Oxygen Saturation: 95%

Mother sipped some warm water and said she felt okay. Dr. Zhang adjusted the oxygen flow to make her more comfortable.

Lunch Break 1:00 PM

Stopped at Guangyuan Service Area. We brought a thermal lunchbox and prepared a light porridge for mom.

Vital Signs:

• Blood Pressure: 118/75 mmHg
• Heart rate: 82 bpm
• Oxygen Saturation: 96%

Dr. Zhang and Nurse Liu take turns eating, ensuring one of them is always with the mother.

Arrive in Sichuan at 4:00 PM

Beyond Guangyuan, the road conditions improved. Mother began to feel tired, and Dr. Zhang performed a quick checkup, confirming everything was normal.

Nurse Liu told me she previously transported a breast cancer patient from Xi'an to Chengdu, and the entire process went smoothly. She said, "Our job is to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible during transport."

Arrive in Chengdu at 6:30 PM

After nearly 12 hours of travel, we finally arrived at West China Hospital.

Final Status:

• Blood Pressure: 122/78 mmHg
• Heart rate: 86 bpm
• Oxygen Saturation: 95%
• Mother's mental state: Good

The medical staff at West China Hospital are waiting downstairs and have successfully taken over care of your mother.

Tips for families needing long-distance relocation

If you're also facingLong-distance ambulance transportyour needs, my suggestion is:

1. Plan ahead

• Contact the forwarding service at least 5-7 days in advance.
• Prepare all medical records
• Confirm the receiving hospital is ready

2. Communicate fully

• Inform the patient of their condition in detail.
• Special Care Requirements
• Important notes for transit

3. Select the right vehicle

• Select Standard or ICU model based on patient condition
• Confirm equipped medical devices
• Verify healthcare provider credentials

4. Get ready

• Long-distance transit takes time; please be patient.
• Expect some bumps; please inform the patient in advance.
• Stay in touch with healthcare providers

5. Gather essentials

• Patient's daily medications
• Light meals and drinking water
• Warm clothing and blankets
• ID documents and medical records

How do I find a reliable forwarding service?

Method 1: WeChat Mini ProgramSearch for "Medical Transport" mini-programs to book online, view vehicle types, and check prices.

Method 2: Professional Service AccountFollow our official service account to view detailed case studies and user reviews, or chat with customer support online.

Option 3: Hospital RecommendationContact the hospital's social work department or discharge planning office to obtain information on partner organizations.

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Quick Appointment via Mini Program

If you also haveLong-haul transferorCritical Care TransportNeed quick consultation via mini-program:

📱 Mini Program EntrySearch "Kangshun Transfer | Discharge | Hospital Transfer | Ambulance" on WeChat

• Online transfer requirement assessment
• View Vehicle Configurations
• Get a preliminary quote
• One-click Service Booking

Service Account Details

For more details about our services, please follow the official service account:

📞 Service Hotline: Search and follow the "Kangshun Ambulance Transfer Consultation" service account

• View Real-World Shipping Cases
• Chat with a professional agent
• Get Personalized Plan
• Stay updated on the latest services

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Final thoughts

The 700 kilometers from Xi'an to Chengdu mark another difficult stretch on Mother's journey battling cancer.

Fortunately, we chose a professional one.Long-distance ambulance transportService that makes this journey smooth and safe.

If you're also feeling anxious about transferring a loved one to another hospitalUnsure which shipping method to choose or worried about safety during transit? I hope my experience can help you.

Long-haul transferIt's not just about moving someone from one place to another—it's about respecting and safeguarding life. Choosing professional care ensures patients receive the best support during transport, which is the most important thing we can do as family members.

Every transfer is a relay of life. May every patient arrive safely and recover soon.

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Note: This article shares a personal experience. Please evaluate service options based on your specific situation. In case of a medical emergency, call 120 immediately.

Disclaimer: The service providers mentioned in this article are shared based on personal experience only and do not constitute a commercial endorsement. Readers should verify the credentials of any service provider independently.