Objective To discuss how to improve organization and management of first-aid nursing during the rescue work. Methods Data about the wounded patients in the Emergency Department of our hospital were collected from 12 to 21 May, 2008. The relevant information concerning the interventions and effects of the organization of first-aid nursing was analyzed. Results In the first ten days after the quake, 1 766 wounded patients were received and treated in the Emergency Department. The results of post-evaluation showed that the rescue work was successful including the first-aid path, rationality of the rescuer dispatch, management of the medical resources, collection of the patients information, and high-quality nursing. Conclusion Effective organization and management of first-aid nursing guarantee the rescue work.