Hualien Launches Mobile Emergency Medical Services to Ensure Safety During Xiuguluan River Water Activities

HUALIEN, Taiwan (CNA) - As the summer peak tourist season approaches, the Hualien County Health Bureau, in collaboration with the Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, continues to promote the "Mobile Emergency Medical Service" for water activities on the Xiuguluan River. The medical stations were launched today and will provide timely and professional medical rescue services until September 10.

The Hualien County Health Bureau stated that rafting on the Xiuguluan River in Hualien is one of the most representative water recreational activities in Taiwan. After enduring natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, Hualien is steadily moving towards tourism reconstruction and industrial recovery. In addition to continuously improving transportation and tourism facilities, the county government also places great importance on travel safety and medical security.

Zhu Jia-xiang, Director of the Hualien County Health Bureau, pointed out that the mobile medical station project for the Xiuguluan River water area has been promoted since 2009, and this year marks its 17th year. It has not only established a comprehensive emergency medical service model for water activities but has also become an important benchmark for backup medical support in water tourism nationwide.

This year, two mobile medical stations have been set up along the rafting route, located at the Qimei Rest Area in the middle reaches and the Xiluan Visitor Center (next to Changhong Bridge) in the lower reaches, providing first-line medical support services. Both medical stations this year are supported by professional medical teams from Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Each station is staffed with one physician, two experienced nurses, and one ambulance driver with emergency medical technician qualifications. They will be on duty daily from 9 AM, coordinating with rafting activities to provide services such as trauma treatment, emergency rescue, acute symptom assessment, and medication. This shortens the medical response time for accidents in remote water areas and enhances the effectiveness of emergency incident response.

Notably, the medical station at the Qimei Rest Area, which was affected by heavy rains and typhoons in 2024, suffered damage to its base facilities due to mudslides, leading to disruptions in water and electricity supply and silt accumulation. The medical station faced a crisis of suspension. With the full cooperation of various public and private organizations, the renovation and reconstruction were completed last year, and the station was successfully reopened. It has not only resumed its original medical service functions but has also further strengthened its preparedness capacity, continuing to safeguard the safety of rafters on the Xiuguluan River.

The Hualien County Health Bureau reminds the public that while rafting is a recreational sport, unexpected situations such as abrasions, sprains, hypothermia, sunburn, and heatstroke may still occur. The Xiuguluan River basin is located in a remote area, and without timely medical support, patients often require a longer time to be transferred to medical facilities. The establishment of mobile medical stations effectively fills the gap in emergency medical care in remote areas and water environments, allowing injured or sick individuals to receive proper treatment immediately, significantly enhancing tourist safety.

The Hualien County Health Bureau urges the public to choose legal operators and safe venues when participating in rafting and other water activities. Ensure the proper wearing of safety equipment such as life jackets, avoid drinking before entering the water, and always pay attention to weather and water level changes. Individuals with cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, or other chronic illnesses should assess their health condition before participating. Warm up before activities, stay hydrated, and take precautions against sunburn and heatstroke during activities to enjoy a safe and pleasant summer journey. (Editor: Li Xi-chang) 0623

Stand with facts, your every donation is a force to protect press freedom

Download CNA's 'First News' APP for real-time updates

The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.