"Prepare for the Heat Wave" ... Changwon Special City Implements Emergency Measures Against Heat Wave

Strengthening First Aid Response with Operation of Heatwave Emergency Teams

Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam is implementing emergency response measures to prepare for potential heat-related patients during the summer heatwave.

Changwon Fire Department is conducting a briefing related to heatwave preparedness.

According to the Changwon Fire Department on the 18th, there have been 62 heat-related patients in the past three years, with 51 transported to hospitals and 11 treated on site. By type, heat exhaustion was the most common with 26 cases, followed by heat syncope with 19 cases, and heatstroke with 11 cases.

By time of day, most cases occurred between noon and 3 p.m. By age group, those in their 70s and older were most affected, followed by those in their 50s and 40s.

Notably, this year the heatwave advisory was issued one week earlier than last year, and with an expected increase in the number of heatwave days and extreme temperatures, the fire department is strengthening its emergency response measures, including operating a dedicated heatwave emergency response team.

First, the fire department will equip all ambulances with nine types of heatwave response equipment (such as ice vests) to prepare for heat-related patients. In the event that ambulances are unavailable, reserve pumpbulances will be operated as a contingency measure.

Additionally, the 119 Emergency Situation Management Center will provide medical guidance and consultation for heat-related illnesses, and intensive training will be conducted to strengthen paramedics' emergency response capabilities for heatwaves.

As global warming continues to intensify the heat, establishing safety measures to respond to climate change is more important than ever.

The fire department will also conduct intensive public awareness campaigns to prevent heat-related illnesses, such as advising people to avoid outdoor activities during the daytime.

Kim Yongjin, Chief of the Changwon Fire Department, stated, "Summer temperatures are rising and the number of heatwave days is increasing, which inevitably leads to greater risks to life and property. We will do our utmost to protect the lives and property of citizens and ensure a safe Changwon."

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