BSRT coming back to Guangzhou from Turkey
Photo Credit: VCG
SOCIETY

The Story Behind China’s Largest Volunteer Rescue Team

Blue Sky Rescue Team volunteers sacrifice time, money, and sometimes their lives to help disaster victims

When severe flooding hit the mountainous Mentougou district of Beijing in July 2023, it wasn’t only China’s fire brigade and army that raced to the scene. Volunteers from the Blue Sky Rescue Team, China’s largest non-government relief organization, traveled from across the city, using their own cars and public transportation, to help flood victims.

Clad in their distinctive blue uniforms, they looked professional, but none of them were being paid for their dangerous work, and some even had to fund their rescue efforts themselves. Two of these brave volunteers died during operations that helped rescue over 210 people.

You have reached your free article limit (5) for this month

Create a free account to keep reading up to 10 free articles each month

Already have an account? Log in

The Story Behind China’s Largest Volunteer Rescue Team is a story from our issue, “Education Nation.” To read the entire issue, become a subscriber and receive the full magazine.

Related Articles