Rescue Helicopter Successfully Lifts Injured Man After Rockfall on Mount Jubenshan

A man surnamed Li and his teammates set out from Xinyi Township to climb Mt. Jubenshan in Nantou County on March 12, 2024. Along the way, he was struck in the head by a sudden falling rock. Although he remained conscious, dizziness and his injuries left him unable to walk on his own. Firefighters received a report in the early hours of that day and immediately rushed to the scene, finding the man trapped in a remote mountainous area where surrounding roads were difficult to access due to rugged terrain and steep mountain slopes. Following a preliminary assessment and considering rescue time and safety risks, the fire department decided to request helicopter assistance from the National Airborne Service Corps.

Mt. Jubenshan is located in central Nantou County and features a continuous mountain range topography, making it a favorite among mountaineering enthusiasts and outdoor sports practitioners. The mountainous area is characterized by rocks and trees, and seasonal rainfall easily triggers rockslides. In recent years, due to climate change and the expansion of human activities, rockfall incidents in mountainous areas have become increasingly common. Although safety tips and warning signs are typically provided prior to climbing, natural disasters remain difficult to completely avoid in high-difficulty sections.

On the day of the rescue, firefighters first conducted an on-site reconnaissance and coordinated with medical rescue teams. Due to terrain constraints, ground rescue was extremely difficult, and since the injured person was unable to descend the mountain on his own, a helicopter became the fastest and safest means of rescue. The National Airborne Service Corps dispatched a helicopter equipped with medical personnel and necessary rescue equipment, arriving at the scene in the early hours. Rescuers first secured the injured person in a rescue seat while ensuring his airway remained clear, and subsequently hoisted him safely into the helicopter before transporting him promptly to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

This rescue operation not only demonstrated the collaborative efficiency between the fire and airborne departments, but also reminded the public of the risks associated with mountain activities. The Nantou County Government subsequently held a symposium to discuss measures such as strengthening mountain safety warnings, enhancing climbers' self-rescue capabilities, and improving emergency rescue communication facilities. Relevant units also stated that they will continue to review and optimize mountain crisis management procedures to ensure that similar incidents can be handled more rapidly and effectively in the future.

This incident serves as another reminder that before entering remote mountainous areas, climbers must make thorough preparations, including carrying necessary rescue equipment, understanding routes and weather forecasts, and maintaining contact with others. Although the natural environment is difficult to predict entirely, through scientific risk assessment and sound rescue mechanisms, the likelihood and consequences of accidents can be significantly reduced. (Source of facts: Central News Agency)