Bavaria deploys extra rescue services as heatwave approaches record temperatures

Bavaria's emergency services and hospitals are grappling with a surge in calls related to extreme heat, as temperatures are forecast to climb towards record highs. The Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) reports a significant increase in people requiring assistance for conditions such as sunstroke and heatstroke.

"More people need our help due to heatstroke, due to heat exhaustion," explained Claire Kolodinski from the BRK in Munich. She noted that the issue affects not only the elderly or those needing care but also individuals engaging in activities near lakes, where accidents can occur alongside heat-related emergencies. University Hospital Würzburg is also seeing more heat-related cases, with young adults presenting after overexertion during sports or work, and some adolescents consuming too much alcohol in the heat. However, hospital spokespeople emphasize that overall patient numbers are still within typical seasonal ranges.

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More people need our help due to heatstroke, due to heat exhaustion.

As Bavaria braces for potential temperatures as high as 42 degrees Celsius by the weekend, with forecasts suggesting Friday could break the current record of 40.3 degrees, authorities are taking proactive measures. In the Würzburg district, known for its high temperatures, the BRK, Malteser Hilfsdienst, Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, and RKT Rettungsdienst are deploying extra ambulances and patient transport vehicles. These additional resources will largely be operated by volunteers, according to the district administration.

Medical professionals are advising vulnerable populations, including the elderly and very young children, to take extra precautions. Recommendations include drinking plenty of fluids, two to three liters daily is suggested, compared to the usual minimum of 1.5 liters, and consuming water-rich foods like melon and cucumber. However, individuals on certain medications, particularly for blood pressure, should consult their doctor before increasing fluid intake, as excessive hydration can be harmful. General advice includes avoiding heat, reducing physical exertion, shading homes, and wearing light clothing.

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The affected individuals often suffer from dehydration, for example, because they move their sports activities outdoors and underestimate the heat.