Taiwan reports 53 OHCA deaths amidst cold snap

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) deaths across Taiwan reached 53 as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday (Jan. 23), according to the Nation Fire Agency (NFA).

The NFA stated that since Jan. 20, there have been 294 OHCA deaths across Taiwan. Though there's no explicit evidence linking these deaths with the cold weather, the agency notes that cold temperatures do indeed amplify the risk of sudden death.

With temperatures in Taipei City falling since noon Monday, six people experienced OHCA and were taken to medical facilities within this period. Only one person was revived, with the other five succumbing. The average age of these victims was 80.

New Taipei City recorded eight OHCAs in a similar period, with only three survivors.

Fire and health units across various regions have urged the public to remain vigilant as cold weather persists. They stress that older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses should pay particular attention, particularly to staying warm.