9 Types Including Ice Vests, Ice Packs, and Saline Solution Stocked in Ambulances
Yeongam Fire Station in Jeonnam (Chief Kim Jae-seung) announced that it will operate a heatwave response 119 ambulance team for about five months from the 20th to the end of September to prepare for heat-related illnesses caused by the summer heatwave.
According to national statistics, 2,436 heat-related illness cases occurred last year, with the highest incidence by age group being those over 80, followed by people in their 50s, 70s, and 60s. The time of day with the most cases was between 12 PM and 3 PM.
Accordingly, the fire station designated six ambulances as heatwave ambulances and organized one paramedic ambulance as a standby unit for heatwave patient response, equipping the ambulances with nine types of heatwave response equipment including ice vests, ice packs, and saline solution.
Guidelines for actions during a heatwave include △ avoiding outdoor activities as much as possible, and if going out is necessary, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and light clothing and always carrying a water bottle △ never leaving elderly or children alone in a car with closed windows △ always following heatwave safety rules (water, shade, rest) at outdoor workplaces, and actively implementing the ‘heat rest time system’ during vulnerable hours (2 PM to 5 PM) △ and calling 119 if symptoms of heatstroke occur (body temperature 40℃, dizziness, headache, etc.).
A fire station official said, “We will do our best to protect the safety and health of the residents by operating the heatwave ambulance team,” and added, “We hope everyone can have a safe summer by following safety rules during heatwaves.”
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