Yushan, Taiwan (December 10, 2025)— Two hikers, a man and a woman, were evacuated by helicopter from Paiyun Lodge in Yushan today after showing symptoms of altitude sickness.
The female hiker, 53-year-old Ms. Tsai, has a history of chronic conditions, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. She experienced weakness and a heart rate spiking to 140 beats per minute, which persisted throughout the night of December 9. Despite receiving oxygen, her symptoms returned as soon as the oxygen mask was removed. Concerned for her safety, the hiking team requested helicopter assistance for evacuation and medical treatment.
Another member of the group, Mr. Chiu, also experienced signs of altitude sickness yesterday. While he initially reported being able to descend slowly with support from his teammates, authorities decided to include him in the helicopter evacuation due to his physical discomfort.
The Yushan National Park Administration and the Yulin National Scenic Area Administration reminded hikers that winter conditions in the mountains can be extremely cold. Low oxygen levels and low pressure at high altitude increase the risk of altitude sickness, especially for those with pre-existing or chronic medical conditions. Hikers are urged to conduct risk assessments before climbing, dress appropriately, monitor their physical condition, and descend immediately if they experience discomfort to prevent serious health risks.