TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued cold advisories across Taiwan on Friday (Dec. 22), warning the public to stay warm as colder weather hits Taiwan. The sudden temperature plummet, stemming from the first wave of the winter cold front, is already having perilous effects.
In just two days, 69 individuals have been taken to the hospital showing signs of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA); most lacked pulse and respiration on arrival. Victims included a 28-year-old professional soldier.
Statistics from the Taipei City Fire Department and the New Taipei City Fire Department show a combined total of 26 OHCAs by Thursday evening. In Yilan county, four out of six people rushed to the hospital due to the cold were declared deceased.
One nonagenarian in Hualien County is conjectured to have fallen victim to the frigid weather. According to the Fire Bureau of Changhua County, emergency cases surged to 53 in 24 hours from Wednesday to Thursday, with seven unsuccessful resuscitations.
According to statistics from various city and county Fire Departments, only 10 out of all the people who collapsed due to the cold have been resuscitated.
As the cold spell continues, citizens are advised to take necessary precautions against the chilly weather.