(Updated 20:16) A 21-year-old man surnamed Zhang and his father, along with a group of 11 hikers climbing Snow Mountain, sought help from the Taichung City Fire Bureau when Zhang experienced hemorrhoid bleeding at the 7.1k mark on the main Snow Mountain trail (near the 369 Mountain Hut). Rescue personnel assessed that Zhang was moving slowly and was at risk of severe blood loss, so they immediately requested an air rescue helicopter to transport him to Dongshi, where he was then taken by ambulance to a hospital. He has since recovered with no further issues.
The Taichung City Fire Bureau stated that they received a report at 6:42 a.m. from fellow hikers saying that one of their companions was feeling unwell and unable to walk, requesting assistance to descend the mountain. Suspected to be suffering from a hemorrhoid flare-up with bleeding, rescuers in Lishan initially treated Zhang by inserting sterilized gauze. They then assessed that his movement was too slow and were concerned about worsening of his condition, so they promptly requested a helicopter rescue.
Rescue personnel and Zhang’s father took turns supporting him as they walked to the helicopter landing pad at Snow Mountain East Peak, after which he was airlifted to Dongshi Riverside Park. Upon landing, he was taken to Fengyuan Hospital under the Ministry of Health and Welfare for treatment.
Fengyuan Hospital stated that the patient was diagnosed with third-degree hemorrhoid prolapse. After reduction, the pain was alleviated and he was discharged. Chen Xiwen, director of the Colorectal Surgery Department, said that many people have hemorrhoids and can engage in all types of exercise when not experiencing flare-ups. However, if acute inflammation occurs and recurs frequently, strenuous exercise is not advisable, and medical attention should be sought promptly to avoid thrombosis. If left untreated, thrombosis may cause friction wounds, leading to bacterial infection and possibly sepsis.
(China Times)