One Person Transferred to Hospital with Moderate to Severe Consciousness Impairment
Heat-Related Illness Cases Also Occurred at August Hanam and Pohang Marathons
Recently, patients suffering from heat-related illnesses have continuously occurred at marathon events, and four injuries were reported at a beach marathon held on Ganghwa Island, Incheon.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Incheon Fire Headquarters announced on the morning of the 29th that four patients experiencing symptoms such as dizziness and difficulty breathing were reported at the Ganghwa Beach Marathon held around Ganghwa Hamsang Park. The highest daytime temperature on Ganghwa Island that day was around 28 degrees Celsius. Among the four, the fire authorities classified a woman in her 30s who showed signs of decreased consciousness as seriously injured, and a man in his 60s as minor injuries. Another man in his 50s and a man in his 20s received on-site emergency treatment or were transported by private ambulance, respectively.
Recently, patients suffering from heat-related illnesses have continuously occurred at marathon events, and four injuries were reported at the beach marathon held in Ganghwa-do, Incheon. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]
After receiving related reports, the fire authorities dispatched five additional ambulances to the scene due to concerns about further patient occurrences and operated a mass casualty management system. A fire official stated, "We deployed five vehicles forward until the end of the event after the patients appeared," and added, "We are investigating the specific circumstances under which the four patients occurred."
Earlier, on the 17th of last month, more than 20 heat-related illness patients appeared at a night marathon held at Misa Rowing Park Canoe Stadium in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, leading to the early termination of the event. Within one hour of the event's start, 29 people showed symptoms of exhaustion, and many were transported to nearby university hospitals. At that time, the temperature in Hanam exceeded 31 degrees Celsius, and considering the high humidity, the perceived temperature was around 32 to 33 degrees Celsius. On the 31st of last month, five heat-related illness patients were also reported at a marathon held in Pohang, Gyeongbuk.
Heat-related illnesses occur due to excessive increases in body temperature, with common examples including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. Heat stroke is a condition that occurs when body temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. [Photo by Pixabay]
Heat-related illnesses occur due to excessive increases in body temperature, with representative conditions including heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. Heatstroke is a condition that occurs when body temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Heat exhaustion refers to a state characterized by fatigue, dizziness, and headaches caused by excessive sweating and fluid loss.
These heat-related illnesses mainly occur in high temperature and humidity conditions. They are especially common in sports conducted outdoors for extended periods, such as marathons, outdoor basketball, and soccer. Therefore, to prevent heat-related illnesses during outdoor activities, sufficient rest and hydration are necessary. According to the Disease Control and Prevention Agency's heat-related illness emergency room surveillance report, as of mid-August, there were 2,704 heat-related illness patients, which is 327 more than the same period last year. The number of deaths reached 23.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
