All 14 Hospitals Refused Admission
Arrived Late at Hospital but Ultimately Died
A basic livelihood security recipient who lost consciousness and collapsed from heatstroke in a convenience store was refused transfer by 14 hospitals before arriving late at a hospital and ultimately dying, a case that has recently come to light and caused sorrow.
According to JTBC on the 8th, last month, Mr. A, a man in his 40s receiving basic livelihood security who lived alone, lost consciousness and collapsed from heatstroke in a convenience store. CCTV footage released at the time shows Mr. A staggering suddenly while taking an ion drink from the convenience store refrigerator and then collapsing. He tried to get up but seemed unable to move from the spot due to weakness. The first reporter said, "It didn’t seem like he was staggering from being drunk. It was because his body was shaking."
When the rescue team arrived at the convenience store after receiving the report, Mr. A’s body temperature was already 40 degrees Celsius. At that time, Mr. A requested to be taken home, saying "My house is right in front." However, the rescue team judged that it was not appropriate for Mr. A to be alone at home, considering that there was trash at the entrance of his house and the interior was not cool.
The rescue team moved Mr. A to the ambulance and inquired about transfer to 14 hospitals, but all refused to accept him. Eventually, Mr. A arrived at the National Medical Center at 12:37 p.m., 1 hour and 34 minutes after collapsing, and died immediately after being diagnosed with heatstroke. It was reported that Mr. A, as a basic livelihood security recipient, did not have the means to take care of his health and lived relying on alcohol.
Meanwhile, as the heatwave with a perceived temperature exceeding 35 degrees Celsius continues, casualties are increasing. According to the 'Daily National Safety Management Situation' report released by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the day, the number of heat-related illness patients on the 6th was 86, and the cumulative number of heat-related illness patients from May 20 to that day was 1,907. Among them, 18 died. During the same period last year, there were 1,891 heat-related illness patients and 25 deaths.
Heat-related illnesses are acute diseases caused by prolonged exposure to heat, with heat exhaustion and heatstroke being representative. Major symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and elevated body temperature, which can lead to death in severe cases. Heat-related illnesses can be prevented simply by following health guidelines. It is important to drink water frequently and maintain a cool environment. Also, avoid going out during hot hours, and if outdoor activities are unavoidable, rest often in the shade and adjust activity intensity.
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