The 15 sets of individual mountain climbing equipment donated by Legislator Ma Wenjun to the Central Monument Station include heavy-duty hiking boots, highly waterproof and breathable rain jackets, rain pants, and more. (Photo by Yang Shuhuang)
The highly waterproof and breathable rain jackets, rain pants, and hiking shoes donated by Legislator Ma Wenjun to the fire station were immediately tested with water after being tried on by team members, proving to have excellent waterproof performance and breathability. (Photo by Yang Shuhuang)

Nantou is surrounded by mountains, and mountain accidents occur frequently. The Puli Town Central Monument Fire Station, which bears the heavy responsibility of mountain rescue, has been struggling with insufficient and outdated rescue equipment. On the 5th, Legislator Ma Wenjun, unwilling to see frontline firefighters lacking proper gear, donated 15 sets of state-of-the-art mountain climbing equipment purchased with her own funds totaling NT$380,000 to the Central Monument Fire Station to enhance rescue safety; her thoughtful gesture deeply moved the firefighters.

Puli, a mountain town, is adjacent to the Ren'ai Mountain area, surrounded by peaks and crisscrossed by numerous streams and tributaries, attracting many tourists for hiking, mountain climbing, and playing in the water. The Central Monument Station handles a particularly high number of rescue cases involving lost hikers, valley falls, drownings, and mountain accidents.

Due to the high difficulty of rescue operations, firefighters rely heavily on mountain climbing gear and rescue equipment. However, harnesses and ropes have a service life of about 5 to 10 years and suffer from high wear and tear due to frequent use, necessitating regular replacement. Due to tight local government budgets, firefighters often have to purchase such equipment at their own expense.

Legislator Ma Wenjun, moved by the fact that frontline firefighters risk their lives to save others while having to personally fund worn-out equipment, generously donated NT$380,000 to the Central Monument Station to purchase 15 sets of individual mountain climbing equipment. These include heavy-duty hiking boots, highly waterproof and breathable rain jackets and rain pants to prevent getting wet or hypothermia, as well as four full-body harnesses for more stable suspension during cliff and valley search and rescue missions, ensuring safety.

Legislator Ma stated, “Rescue equipment must be sufficient and of uncompromising quality to achieve twice the result with half the effort.” She hopes that with the new professional rescue gear, the Central Monument Station can enhance both the safety and efficiency of rescue operations, ensuring the safety of firefighters first so they can help more people in urgent need of rescue.

(China Times)