A helicopter is on standby at the gate of the Yabuli Ski Resort to provide instant transportation to big hospitals in Harbin in case of emergency or serious injuries during the 24th Winter Universiade.

"In case of emergency, the injured could be transferred to Harbin in 40 minutes," said Li Feng, deputy mayor of the Yabuli Universiade Village. "The helicopter arrived on Sunday and we have already had some tests."

Five of the seven ski sports, namely Alpine, Freestyle, Ski jumping, Cross-country and Nordic combined, will be held in Yabuli, China's most famous ski resort which is nearly 200 kilometers away from the host city of the upcoming Winter University Games Harbin.

"Some ski sports are very dangerous and we have carefully set up a medical plan for Yabuli," Li added. "Efficient medical service is available in every venue and the helicopter is introduced for emergency needs."

Three staff and journalists were injured in cable car accidents at the Yabuli K90 ski jumping venue on January 23 during last year's 11th Chinese National Winter Games. The most seriously injured one, who broke her shin, was transferred to Harbin by car to receive surgery later that day.

(Xinhua News Agency February 17, 2009)