The death of a 69-year-old Austrian tourist to Tibet last week has prompted questions about the first aid capacity of the southwestern autonomous region.

Heinz Josef Hofer, a member of the largest foreign tour group ever to visit the "roof of the world," had coronary problems in Xigaze Prefecture on April 6 and died later at Gyangze County Hospital.

An official from the regional tourism administration said Hofer's daughter, a physician, performed artificial respiration on him and the tour guide called for help immediately. As the county hospital was not equipped with an ambulance, they had to take a taxi there. Hofer later died despite doctors' efforts.

"As domestic tourism booms and more tourists come from other countries, we need to upgrade medical facilities and technologies in remote mountainous regions in order to provide timely treatment for tourists who may fall ill," the unnamed official said.

He called on relevant departments to set up first aid centers equipped with stretchers, helicopters, rescue workers and emergency first aid facilities.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2005)