That is how many times rescuers went out last weekend, August 1-2, to people who felt unwell due to the heat. Out of 167 patients, 93 had to be hospitalized — this was reported by the spokeswoman of the Operational Center of the Emergency Medical Service Petra Klimešová, writes Aktuality.sk.
The most calls were recorded in the Košice Region — 27, the fewest in the Trnava Region — 14. And this is only the weekend: on Friday, July 31, by 4:00 PM medics managed to make 45 trips due to heat collapses, two-thirds of the patients were pensioners.
The heat covered the country
The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute issued warnings of the second and third, the highest, degree of danger — in several regions the temperature exceeded 38°C. Even on Wednesday, August 5, in Bratislava the thermometer stays around 37°C — the heat wave is not in a hurry to retreat.
Medics emphasize: the most vulnerable to overheating are elderly people, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular ones. With age, the body regulates temperature worse, so the first symptoms can be easily missed.
How to recognize danger and what to do
Heat stroke rarely comes suddenly. Usually, it is preceded by weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or a state close to fainting. If you notice this in yourself or your loved ones — do not wait for it to "pass by itself."
Move the person to the shade or a cool room, unbutton tight clothing.
Give small sips of cool water to drink.
Apply something cold to the neck, armpits, or groin.
If the person loses consciousness or the condition quickly worsens — immediately call 155 (ambulance) or the single emergency number 112.
Rescuers advise drinking water regularly on hot days, even without feeling thirsty, avoiding direct sunlight from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and not overloading yourself physically.
If you have elderly relatives or neighbors — call them during the heat at least once a day. Weekend statistics speak for themselves: they are the highest risk group, and often they simply do not manage to call for help.
