The Shei-Pa National Park Administration said today that, given the increasing number of hikers registering to enter the park each year and the frequent occurrence of accidents, it urges mountaineers to remember the “3D—Down, Down and Down” mantra when experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, and descend immediately to avoid tragic incidents.

Shei-Pa National Park is home to towering peaks and stunning scenery, attracting numerous hikers for trekking every year. However, it was recently reported that an elementary school in Changhua County organized a trip to Snow Mountain, during which one student reportedly showed signs of altitude sickness with multiple episodes of vomiting. Instead of descending immediately, the accompanying staff continued toward the summit. Although no accident occurred, the incident left the administration deeply concerned.

The administration pointed out that the Taiwan Wilderness Emergency Medical Service Association, a foundation, has placed “portable hyperbaric bags” at Shei-Pa mountain huts, primarily to help alleviate symptoms in severe cases of altitude sickness. Once patients experience relief, they should immediately descend to a lower altitude. However, some hikers have reportedly used the hyperbaric bags as a means to ascend, which not only wastes resources but also endangers their own lives and those of others. “This is truly unacceptable,” the administration said.

The administration urges the public to adopt a gradual ascent approach when engaging in hiking activities. When climbing mountains above 3,000 meters, it is best to rest at around 2,500 meters for one night to allow the body enough time to acclimatize to the altitude change. If symptoms of altitude sickness occur, remember the “3D—Down, Down and Down,” which means to descend, descend, and descend again, in order to effectively alleviate altitude sickness symptoms.

The administration also stated that hikers must properly plan their climbs and conduct risk assessments before setting out. After obtaining a park entry permit, they must not arbitrarily alter the hiking route, so as to avoid violating Article 13 of the National Park Act, which prohibits “arbitrary changes to approved routes or itineraries within ecological protection zones,” and to reduce the waste of rescue resources. 1050611

(CNA)