Gwangju and Jeonnam Suffer Prolonged Heat... 'Heat Illness Patients' Reported One Month Earlier Than Last Year

First Heat-Related Patient Reported at Chonnam National University Hospital Emergency Medical Center on June 28

Chonnam National University Hospital Emergency Medical Center.

As hot and humid weather continues in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions, cases of heat-related illness at the Chonnam National University Hospital Emergency Medical Center have been reported one month earlier than last year.

According to the Chonnam National University Hospital Emergency Medical Center on July 9, the number of patients visiting the center for heat-related illness has been increasing each year: 2 cases in 2022, 4 cases in 2023, and 10 cases in 2024. Notably, the first heat-related patient last year was reported on July 25, but this year, the first case occurred on June 28, approximately one month earlier than last year.

In fact, on June 28 at around 3 p.m., a 64-year-old man, referred to as A, was transported by a 119 ambulance to the Chonnam National University Hospital Emergency Medical Center after a coworker reported that he was speaking incoherently while working outdoors in the Jeonnam region. Additionally, on July 5, an 88-year-old woman, referred to as B, was found collapsed in her yard after working on a farm in the Jeonnam region. She was first taken to a nearby hospital and then transferred to Chonnam National University Hospital. In total, four patients with heat-related illness have been treated this year.

Heatstroke occurs when the body's temperature regulation system fails due to excessive heat and humidity during activities such as work or exercise, causing the core body temperature to rise above 40°C and resulting in symptoms such as altered consciousness or convulsions. The Jeonnam region is particularly vulnerable to heatstroke because of its large elderly farming population.

Jung Yonghun, director of the Chonnam National University Hospital Emergency Medical Center, stated, "Older adults, those with underlying cardiovascular diseases, or those taking medication for mental or neurological disorders are especially vulnerable to heat because their brain's temperature regulation function is compromised. When engaging in prolonged outdoor activities or working indoors in hot and humid conditions, it is important to take sufficient breaks and frequently drink electrolyte beverages. In addition, because heatstroke has a very high mortality rate and can cause permanent disabilities, it is crucial to provide emergency care immediately if a patient is found."

Director Jung also advised that when a person with heatstroke is discovered, "They should be moved immediately to a shaded area or a place with air conditioning. After removing their clothing, apply ice packs to the neck and armpits, or use a spray bottle or towel to wet the patient's entire body, and use a fan to blow air so that the evaporation of water helps lower the body temperature. After these steps, the patient should be transported quickly to the nearest hospital."

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