Extreme Heat Drives Surge in Heat-Related Illnesses: Emergency Room Visits Up 30%, Prevention and Treatment Guidelines

Critical Public Health Emergency Declared

South Korea's healthcare system is responding to an unprecedented surge in heat-related illnesses as extreme temperatures drive emergency room visits up by 30% compared to previous summer averages. Medical authorities have declared a public health emergency and activated comprehensive response protocols to address the growing crisis.

Statistical Overview and Affected Demographics

Hospital emergency departments across the nation report treating over 2,400 heat-related illness cases during the past week alone, with the most severe cases concentrated among elderly adults over 65 and outdoor workers. Seoul National University Hospital has documented a 40% increase in heat exhaustion cases, while regional hospitals report similar trends. Children under 12 and adults over 65 represent the highest-risk demographics, accounting for nearly 60% of severe heat illness hospitalizations. Chronic disease patients and individuals taking certain medications show increased vulnerability to heat-related complications.

Medical Classification and Symptoms

Healthcare professionals are treating three primary categories of heat-related illness: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and life-threatening heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include excessive sweating, weakness, nausea, and dizziness, while heat stroke presents with high body temperature, altered mental state, and potential organ failure. Medical experts emphasize that heat stroke constitutes a medical emergency requiring immediate professional treatment. Early recognition of symptoms can prevent progression from heat exhaustion to potentially fatal heat stroke conditions.

Emergency Response and Hospital Preparations

Major hospitals have activated heat emergency protocols including additional emergency department staffing, enhanced cooling equipment, and expedited treatment procedures for heat illness patients. Medical facilities have established dedicated heat illness treatment areas with specialized cooling systems. Emergency medical services have modified response protocols, equipping ambulances with additional cooling supplies and training paramedics in advanced heat illness recognition and immediate treatment techniques.

Prevention Strategies and Public Education

Public health authorities have launched comprehensive prevention campaigns emphasizing hydration, appropriate clothing, and activity timing modifications. Guidelines recommend consuming water regularly before feeling thirsty and avoiding alcohol and caffeinated beverages during extreme heat periods. Outdoor activity recommendations include scheduling strenuous activities during cooler morning or evening hours, taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that promotes heat dissipation.

High-Risk Occupation Safety Measures

Industries with significant outdoor work components have implemented enhanced safety protocols including mandatory cooling breaks, increased water availability, and modified work schedules that avoid peak heat hours. Construction, agriculture, and delivery industries have adopted comprehensive heat illness prevention programs. Employers are required to provide adequate shade, cooling areas, and emergency response training for supervisors. Work site medical monitoring has been increased, with some companies providing real-time health monitoring devices for outdoor workers.

Vulnerable Population Protection

Social services agencies have activated special protection measures for homeless individuals and economically disadvantaged populations lacking access to air conditioning. Cooling centers have been established throughout urban areas, extending operating hours and capacity. Senior care facilities have implemented enhanced monitoring protocols and backup cooling systems to protect elderly residents. Home health services have increased visit frequencies for at-risk individuals living independently.

Treatment Protocols and Medical Innovations

Medical treatment approaches include immediate cooling through cold water immersion, ice pack application, and intravenous fluid replacement. Advanced cases may require intensive care monitoring and treatment for complications including kidney dysfunction and neurological effects. Research hospitals are implementing innovative cooling techniques including specialized cooling blankets and targeted temperature management systems that provide more effective patient temperature control during treatment.

Long-term Health Implications

Medical researchers are studying potential long-term health effects of repeated heat exposure, particularly for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions. Heat illness episodes can increase susceptibility to future heat-related complications. Public health policy discussions are addressing infrastructure improvements, building codes, and community cooling resource development to better protect vulnerable populations during future extreme heat events.

International Cooperation and Best Practices

Korean medical authorities are collaborating with international partners to share treatment protocols and prevention strategies developed in other hot climate regions. This cooperation includes information exchange with medical systems in the Middle East, Australia, and the southwestern United States.

Original Korean Article: https://trendy.storydot.kr/health/