TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A 31-year-old volunteer suffered heat exhaustion while working in Hualien's disaster zone on Tuesday (Oct. 7). Medical staff rushed him to a cooling station after his temperature spiked to 38.5 degrees Celsius (101.3°F) with dangerous vital signs. Dr. Wu Tsung-jui (吳宗叡), head of nephrology at Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital (國軍花蓮總醫院), confirmed the emergency medical response.
A 48-year-old excavator company owner from Taoyuan died from infection Saturday (Oct. 4) after volunteering as a "Shovel Superhero" (鏟子超人). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 衛福部疾管署), Taiwan's health surveillance agency, warned volunteers about melioidosis, leptospirosis, and gastroenteritis risks in disaster areas. Deputy Director-General Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧) emphasized protective measures for post-disaster cleanup work.
The Taoyuan City Thunder Rescue Association (桃園市迅雷救援協會) deployed a US$83,333 (NT$2.5 million) mobile medical station to the disaster area in response to mounting health risks. Director Chen Kuan-hung (沈冠宏) said 11 ambulances and 30 personnel drove overnight to Hualien to provide frontline medical services. The association overcame initial logistical challenges to establish operations.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛福部), Taiwan's health ministry, will coordinate medical personnel deployment starting Sunday (Oct. 12). Authorities urge volunteers to use protective equipment as rescue operations continue in the disaster zone. Officials emphasize safety measures to prevent additional volunteer casualties during ongoing relief efforts. ◼
>>> VOLUNTEER SAFETY WARNING: Following recent medical emergencies including heat exhaustion and infection-related deaths among volunteers, authorities strongly urge all relief workers to take the following precautions: Wear protective gloves at all times when handling debris or contaminated materials; Use sun hats or protective headwear to prevent heat-related illness; Wear masks to protect against airborne contaminants and infectious diseases; and, bring adequate water supplies and drink regularly to prevent dehydration.