'Heatwave Begins as Jangma Ends'... Sharp Increase in 'Heat-Related Illnesses' in July-August

Gangwon Fire Department Urges Considering Weather Conditions and Personal Health for Outdoor Activities Due to High Risk of Heatstroke

Heat Illness Patient Emergency Activities [Gangwon-do Fire Headquarters]

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-cheol] Since July, the number of heat-related illness cases has surged due to the heatwave, so special caution is required during outdoor activities.

As the rainy season has ended and heatwaves are forecasted through August, experts urge people to consider weather conditions and their personal health status when engaging in outdoor activities.

According to the Gangwon-do Fire Headquarters on the 25th, a man in his 30s working at a construction site in Wonju City suddenly collapsed and was transported to the hospital in a state of cardiac arrest. At that time, his body temperature was 41℃.

Earlier, on the 10th, an elderly woman in her 80s who participated in a gateball tournament in Yeongwol-gun was transported to the hospital due to temporary memory loss and dizziness, indicating a sharp increase in heat-related illness cases.

From 2020 to recently, there have been 121 emergency dispatches related to heat-related illnesses in Gangwon-do, with 82 people transported to hospitals due to symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, high fever, and convulsions.

Heat-related illness dispatches, which were 9 cases until last month, increased to 14 cases by the 20th of this month. According to statistics from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 5,142 heat-related illness cases have occurred nationwide over the past three years, with 47 deaths.

Statistics of Heat-related Illness Types in Gangwon Province [Gangwon Fire Headquarters]

Heat-related illnesses occur when excessive outdoor activity in high-temperature environments or prolonged exposure to sunlight raises body temperature, causing symptoms. At the early signs of heat-related illness such as headache and dizziness, one should move to a cool place and rest.

When body temperature rises above 40℃ with symptoms like lack of sweating due to heatstroke, it can cause various complications and may be fatal if severe, so immediate cooling and hospital transport are necessary.

At this time, care should be taken not to lower the body temperature excessively, and an appropriate amount of fluids should be consumed.

The Fire Headquarters has equipped 128 ambulances in the province with nine types of heatwave response emergency equipment, including ice vests, to prepare for patient occurrences. During heatwaves, water supply support is provided to energy-vulnerable groups.

Yoon Sang-gi, head of the Fire Headquarters, said, "Every year, this is a period requiring special health care due to heatwaves," adding, "We operate emergency teams for first aid to heat-related illness patients and open fire stations across the province as cooling shelters."