10-Year-Old Girl Rescued from Yushan Trail After Suffering Altitude Sickness

A 10-year-old girl suffered symptoms of altitude sickness during a family hike on Taiwan's Yushan National Park trail, prompting a joint rescue operation by police and firefighters.

The incident occurred on August 16 when the girl, hiking with her family, began feeling dizzy and weak at the 5.5-kilometer mark of the Yushan trail. The weather was reportedly rainy and cold. Her family immediately sought help and began descending the trail with her.

At the 3.7-kilometer mark, a joint rescue team comprising officers from the Alishan Cross-Strait United Police Station of the Chiayi County Police Bureau and the Chiayi County Fire Bureau met the family. The girl was reportedly too weak to walk, so the rescuers took turns carrying her the remaining distance to the trailhead.

She was then transported by ambulance to St. Martin's Hospital in Chiayi City for examination. Doctors confirmed she had no serious injuries and she was discharged on the same day. The family had planned to stay overnight at Paiyun Villa before summiting Yushan the next day.

Authorities reminded the public, particularly those hiking with minors, to carefully consider the weather conditions, the suitability of the trail for children, and their physical stamina for high altitudes. They stressed the importance of descending immediately if anyone feels unwell to prevent accidents.

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The girl was dizzy and weak, so the rescuers took turns carrying her to the Yushan trail trailhead.