Seeing this situation, another member of our team could no longer endure it. This team member came from a relatively well-off background and had driven his beloved Benz to the mission. He strode up to the man, pointed at his luxury car, and exclaimed loudly, "I can afford to drive this kind of car; do you really think I would care about a mere meal?" We have strict disciplinary regulations, and even if family members wish to host a banquet, we would never accept! As soon as he finished speaking, the man was left speechless, his face flushed with embarrassment, and he turned away like a defeated rooster.
Moreover, at rescue scenes, there are often many onlookers. Most of them gather out of curiosity, and sometimes this can interfere with the rescue efforts. I remember once during a water rescue mission, as soon as we arrived at the site, we could hear the crowd shouting: "Hurry up and get in! What are you waiting for?" These urging voices were incessant, yet it seemed these people had no consideration for the complex and crucial preparations that rescuers needed to complete before entering the water, let alone any concern for the safety of the rescuers themselves. To make matters worse, someone even came over to ask, "How much are you charging for this?" In response to such inquiries, if they weren't too outrageous, the rescue team members usually chose to explain patiently; but if there were too many people to respond individually, they would simply ignore them. After all, if we spent too much time answering these questions, our actual rescue work would likely come to a halt.
However, some comments from the crowd were truly unbearable. Especially from those with relatively low standards of conduct, their foul language was appalling. I remember one time when a guy audaciously shouted, "Damn it! These people just take money without doing any work! If they can't do it, they should just get lost!" Such harsh words were all too common. Helplessly, the rescuers had to extend the cordon further back to let that person continue ranting; after all, there was no need to argue with him and disrupt the normal progress of the rescue work.
Yet in those difficult days, there were also countless moments that warmed our hearts. For instance, during late-night rescue operations when we were exhausted both physically and mentally, some kind family members or enthusiastic bystanders would tirelessly bring us various kinds of food and refreshing bottled water. Especially during the sweltering summer months when we were on duty, some even thoughtfully prepared herbal medicines like Huoxiang Zhengqi Liquid to help us stay in good shape for our work.
In fact, this scene filled with warmth and care was vividly displayed during a particularly harrowing disaster response—the Chongqing Wildfire incident. I will share more details about this event and its entire history in subsequent chapters.
As time went on, because we established close cooperative relationships with certain public security and emergency departments, occasionally at disaster sites these friendly partners not only provided us with full support but also actively assisted us in patiently explaining things to the anxious waiting crowd. Faced with such unexpected yet heartwarming assistance, we often felt a bit embarrassed since we had added communication troubles for them but received such sincere help and support in return.
In recent years, public welfare rescue teams have sprung up like mushrooms after rain, increasing in number. At the same time, major media outlets have gradually begun to focus on these teams that contribute quietly and extensively report on them. Against this backdrop, people's understanding of public welfare rescue teams has deepened significantly, leading to a substantial reduction in previous misunderstandings. However, it is undeniable that there are still individual teams that wear the guise of charity while secretly profiting. Fortunately, such situations are not difficult to identify. Before seeking assistance, we can thoroughly understand relevant matters through various channels—such as clearly asking whether there are any fees involved or if there might be additional charges during the rescue process. Those truly committed to public welfare always provide their services free of charge. Whether it is covering meal expenses for team members or fuel costs for vehicles during missions—all are borne by them personally. Even if someone forcibly tries to give them money as compensation during a rescue operation, they will refuse it outright. This is not because they are foolish or inflexible but stems from a deep-seated desire to uphold their original beliefs and commitments. After all, everyone has different values and ways of thinking. Therefore, respecting their thoughts is actually the greatest respect and honor we can give them as individuals.
Comment 0 Comment Count