On the morning of the 11th, a 70-year-old man suddenly collapsed while hiking up Baiyun Mountain and died despite rescue efforts. The preliminary cause of death was determined to be sudden cardiac arrest.
According to witness Mr. Zhang, at around 10 a.m. yesterday, he was driving down from the top of Baiyun Mountain when he noticed dozens of people gathered and watching in the square near Nengren Temple on Baiyun Mountain, with four police cars and one funeral vehicle parked by the roadside. Another witness said he saw an elderly man, approximately 70 years old, lying motionless on the ground. Nearby security personnel called the police and dialed 120 for emergency medical services after noticing the situation. It is reported that when the 120 paramedics arrived, they confirmed that the elderly man had stopped breathing.
After conducting an on-site investigation and autopsy, the police preliminarily concluded that the cause of death was sudden cardiac arrest with no suspicious circumstances. The deceased was identified as Liu, a 71-year-old resident of Guangzhou. The police subsequently contacted the family and assisted with the follow-up arrangements.
Health Reminder
Chronic disease patients should carry emergency medication when climbing
Autumn hiking is beneficial for fitness, but Du Zuoyi, director of the Second Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Provincial Second People's Hospital, pointed out that climbing consumes significant physical energy, and the high altitude with thin air can increase the heart’s workload, potentially causing difficulty breathing or even fainting. Therefore, chronic disease patients should only climb when their blood pressure and blood sugar levels are stable. Elderly individuals with cardiovascular diseases should bring essential medications. Additionally, because hiking places considerable strain on the knee joints, seniors should also pay attention to protecting their knees.
Finally, Director Du also reminded the public: “If you experience discomfort such as chest tightness or shortness of breath while hiking, you should stop immediately and rest. Do not force yourself to continue the hike, and those with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical assistance.”
Mr. Yao, a relevant official from the Baiyun Mountain scenic area, also stated that Baiyun Mountain has always been a popular spot for morning exercise among many middle-aged and elderly people. However, it is recommended—especially for seniors—to climb in pairs, and those with medical conditions should ideally carry emergency medication with them.