Fire and Rescue Dispatches for Heat-Related Illnesses Have Increased Fourfold in 4 Years

As heat waves have been recurring, the number of cases in which 119 was dispatched due to heatrelated illnesses and the number of hospital transfers have risen sharply over the past four years. According to data from the National Fire Agency, the annual number of 119 ambulance responses increased about 4.1 times from 906 cases in 2021 to 3,709 last year. The number of people transported to hospitals also rose about 3.7 times over the same period, from 819 to 3,034. Patient cases and transfers were concentrated mainly in July and August, with July last year recording the highest number. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's surveillance system, the number of heatrelated illness patients visiting emergency rooms this year reached 741 between May 15 and the 12th. On the 11th alone, 115 people visited emergency rooms, and this year the proportion of adults aged 65 and older was the highest. Most cases occurred outdoors, such as in rice fields and farmland. Fire authorities are strengthening the response posture of 119 rescue units nationwide and deploying heatwave response equipment to the field. The National Fire Agency urged people to avoid outdoor activities and strenuous exercise during midday, drink fluids frequently, and rest immediately if any abnormal symptoms appear.