TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Hypothermia cases among hikers surged on Taiwan's Snow Mountain (雪山) following a recent cold front, prompting urgent safety warnings from medical experts. Kao Wei-feng (高偉峰), a high-altitude wilderness medicine expert, warned hypothermia can become fatal within three hours, making it more dangerous than dehydration or starvation. The warning comes as Taiwan experiences increased winter hiking activity on the island's high-altitude peaks.
Kao emphasized finding shelter takes priority over searching for food or water when lost, especially in open areas where strong winds accelerate heat loss. He stated hypothermia can kill within three hours, while dehydration takes three days and starvation three weeks. Emergency physician Wang Shih-hao (王士豪), who specializes in mountain medicine, noted hypothermia commonly occurs in Taiwan's mountains during spring, summer, and fall due to overlooked climate changes.
Wang advised treating patients with cold, wet skin and altered consciousness for hypothermia first, recommending focus on symptoms rather than thermometer readings alone. He explained hypothermia stages: mild with clear consciousness and shivering at 35-32 degrees Celsius (95.0-89.6°F), moderate with confusion at 32-28 degrees Celsius (89.6-82.4°F), and severe with unconsciousness below 28 degrees Celsius (82.4°F). Treatment involves passive rewarming using clothing and blankets or active rewarming with external heat sources like lamps and heaters.
Kao stressed hypothermia remains theoretically preventable with adequate warm clothing and proper preparation before mountain expeditions. He cautioned against the winter "snow-chasing craze" among Taiwanese hikers, noting even brief exposure to freezing conditions can cause localized hypothermia and frostbite in high-altitude environments. Both medical experts urged hikers to prioritize safety by wearing gloves and thermal clothing to prevent cold-related injuries on Taiwan's mountain trails. ◼
