On Monday, with the help of the hospital, traffic police, media and Beijing Emergency Medical Center, a critically ill patient with an artificial lung was transferred from Beijing Ditan Hospital to China-Japan Friendship Hospital in 12 minutes, Beijing Youth Daily reported on Tuesday.

The journey was about 15 kilometers and usually takes about 20 minutes. During the morning rush hour, it may take up to 50.

On Sunday morning Dr Xiong Haofeng at the ICU of Beijing Ditan Hospital broadcast a message for help through Beijing Communication Radio. On Monday morning, a critically ill patient with an artificial lung who was treated at Beijing Ditan Hospital would be transported to the China-Japan Friendship Hospital by a 999 ambulance from the entrance of the airport expressway at Beigao toll into the city, via the North Third Ring Road.

Dr Xiong expressed concerns about road conditions through Beijing Communication Radio, hoping to appeal to drivers not to occupy the emergency lane and avoid the ambulance, so as to facilitate arrival as soon as possible.

After the broadcast, the message attracted the attention of netizens. Many, including actress Jiang Xin, forwarded and spread the message on Sina Weibo, a Chinese micro-blogging website, hoping drivers would make way for the patient.