Gangwon Region Sees 60% Increase in Emergency Dispatches for Heat-Related Illnesses Compared to Last Year Due to Heatwave

Many Heat-Related Illnesses Occur in Yeongseo Region... Rice Fields, Farms, and Construction Sites Account for About 40%

Emergency patient transport stock photo [Provided by Gangwon-do Fire Headquarters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] The number of emergency dispatches for heat-related illnesses in Gangwon Province has increased by more than 60% as of August compared to last year.

According to an analysis by the Gangwon Provincial Fire Headquarters on the 12th, no deaths from heat-related illnesses have occurred in Gangwon Province. However, during the hot summer season, patients who engaged in excessive outdoor activities or were exposed to sunlight for extended periods experienced dizziness, vomiting, high fever, and muscle cramps, leading to an increase in 119 emergency calls.

By region, the highest number of cases occurred in Yeongseo area with 9 in Chuncheon, 6 in Wonju, and 6 in Jeongseon. By type, there were 32 cases of heat exhaustion (53%), 11 cases of heat cramps (18%), 9 cases of heat syncope (15%), and 8 cases of heat stroke (13%).

Among the 60 heat-related illness cases this year, 18% (11 people) showed improvement after receiving emergency treatment on site.

The provincial 119 emergency team is equipped with nine types of heatwave response emergency supplies, including ice vests and normal saline, to prepare for heat-related illness occurrences.

Kwon Hak-ju, the provincial emergency medical officer, stated, "We plan to further strengthen the emergency dispatch system for heatwave response until the end of the summer heatwave season."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.