TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Amid the arrival of a strong cold air mass from China, both Taipei and New Taipei fire departments reported 18 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) on Sunday (Dec. 17), resulting in 13 fatalities. The exact causes of death are under investigation.
The cold front, which reached Taiwan recently, has caused a significant drop in temperatures across central and northern parts of the island, as well as in the regions of Yilan and Hualien, where temperatures reached 12 degrees Celsius. In other areas, temperatures hovered around 14 degrees Celsius, while more open areas experienced temperatures near 10 degrees Celsius.
Taipei's fire bureau responded to eight OHCA cases, with three individuals taken to hospitals and five pronounced dead at the scene. This morning, before 8 a.m., five additional OHCA cases were reported, and all victims were declared dead on-site.
New Taipei witnessed five OHCA incidents, involving four men and one woman, starting at 8 am yesterday. After emergency treatments, only two of the men survived, while three individuals did not.
The city's fire bureau emphasized that colder weather can trigger cardiovascular issues. Those with chronic conditions like hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes are advised to stay warm and undergo regular health check-ups.
