Life-Saving Relay: How 4 Minutes and 25 Seconds Saved a Life at a Chongqing Badminton Center

In the high-intensity world of amateur sports, we often focus on the scoreline, the rally, or the next tournament. However, a harrowing incident at the Li Xuerui National Fitness Center in Chongqing, China, serves as a sobering reminder that the most critical play on any court can be the one that has nothing to do with the game itself.

On May 11, 2026, 37-year-old Hu Junlong was enjoying a session at the badminton facility when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. What followed was a 4-minute and 25-second life-saving relay involving bystanders—a physical education teacher, a nurse, and a coach—that successfully pulled him back from the brink of death. Their coordinated response highlights the vital importance of public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and basic life support training in community sports venues.

A Routine Evening Turns Critical

At approximately 7:00 p.m. Local time, the Li Xuerui National Fitness Center was at its peak. Hu, who later attributed the cardiac event to dehydration and a potassium deficiency, collapsed without warning while resting between matches. His body began to convulse, signaling a life-threatening emergency.

Zhou Xinyou, a physical education teacher from a university in the Banan district, was nearby. Recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest—specifically the patient’s increasingly labored breathing—Zhou immediately sprang into action. Having received emergency training from the Red Cross two years prior, he began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

“To be honest, during my training, I only practiced on a mannequin. This was the first time I faced a real person,” Zhou recounted later. “My heart was pounding, and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to save him, but I knew the four-minute window for survival was closing.”

The Power of a Coordinated Team

The rescue became a textbook example of a “no-rehearsal relay.” Realizing that his own weight was insufficient to achieve the necessary compression depth for high-quality CPR, Zhou quickly directed a larger teammate to take over. Simultaneously, a nurse named Lou Ting, who happened to be at the facility, stepped forward to provide professional-grade assistance, ensuring the continuity of chest compressions.

While the physical work was underway, Zhou shouted for someone to retrieve the facility’s AED. Zhang Boward, a coach at the center, reacted instantly. He ran toward the entrance of the main badminton hall, where a device had been installed as part of a public safety initiative by the Chongqing Red Cross.

“I had seen a video of a failed rescue on a badminton court years ago,” Zhang explained. “Ever since then, whenever I walk into a gym, I make it a habit to check exactly where the AED is located.”

Why Public Access to AEDs Matters

The successful outcome of this incident underscores why many sports governing bodies and health organizations are pushing for mandatory AED placement in all public recreation facilities. Cardiac arrest does not discriminate by age or fitness level; when it happens, the immediate availability of a defibrillator is often the difference between life and death.

For those who frequent gyms, local clubs, or arenas, the takeaway is clear: safety is a shared responsibility. While the efforts of Zhou, Zhang, and Lou were heroic, their ability to perform was bolstered by the presence of the equipment and their willingness to intervene.

Key Takeaways for Athletes and Facilities

• Know the Venue: Whether you are playing basketball, badminton, or tennis, take 30 seconds to locate the nearest AED when you arrive at a facility.
• Get Certified: Basic CPR training takes only a few hours but provides the skills necessary to bridge the gap until emergency responders arrive.
• Don’t Hesitate: In a cardiac arrest scenario, the “wait and see” approach is the most dangerous. If someone collapses, call for help, check for responsiveness, and initiate compressions immediately.
• Support Safety Initiatives: Advocate for local sports centers to maintain functional, accessible AEDs.

Eight days after his collapse, Hu Junlong returned to the Li Xuerui National Fitness Center to present banners of gratitude to his rescuers. For the sports community in Chongqing, the event has sparked a renewed conversation about the necessity of emergency readiness in our everyday training spaces.

As we continue to push our limits on the court, let us ensure that we are equally prepared to protect the health and safety of the teammates and opponents standing beside us. If you have had experience with emergency response training, consider refreshing your certification this year. It is a small investment of time that could prove to be the most valuable skill you ever learn.