Six hikers treated for suspected heatstroke on Chung Yeung holiday
At least six hikers suffered suspected heatstroke on Monday, a public holiday after Chung Yeung Festival, as temperatures hit 30 degrees Celsius. Three were airlifted to hospitals, and police received reports of three more cases. Authorities urged hikers to seek shade, call 999 and provide first aid
At least six hikers suffered suspected heatstroke amid scorching temperatures on Monday, a public holiday following the Chung Yeung Festival, with three requiring helicopter rescue.
At 10.30am, an elderly woman became dizzy and fatigued while hiking with friends near Po Pin Chau and the East Dam, where the temperature had reached 30 degrees Celsius. A staff member called police, and the Government Flying Service dispatched a helicopter to take the woman to hospital for a checkup.
At 12.23pm, a woman in her 40s became ill and vomited while hiking with her husband and son along Section 10 of the MacLehose Trail. Her husband alerted police near Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, and she was airlifted to Ruttonjee Hospital.
At 12.47pm, a 64-year-old woman showing heat stroke symptoms while hiking at Tong Kai Tseng in Tai Po was also sent by helicopter to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment.
Police received reports of three additional suspected heatstroke cases across the city on the same day.
Sing Tao Daily, the sister publication of The Standard, advised that if a hiking companion shows signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, others should stay calm, summon emergency services immediately, and provide first aid while awaiting rescue. The affected person should be moved out of direct sunlight into a shaded, well-ventilated area. Hikers can call 999 or use dedicated hiking safety mobile applications to share GPS coordinates with emergency responders.
First-aid measures include having the person lie down and elevating their feet using a backpack or folded clothing. Rescuers should loosen tight garments and help lower body temperature using water, damp towels, or cold packs applied near major blood vessels such as the neck, armpits, and groin. If the person remains conscious and able to swallow, they should be given water or electrolyte drinks, but fluids should not be administered if the person is disoriented or unconscious due to the risk of choking.