'Extreme Heatwave' Jeonbuk Reports 60 Heat-Related Illnesses... Concentrated Among Those Aged 61 and Older

Surge in Cases Since July
Need for Adequate Hydration and Rest

The number of heat-related illness cases is rapidly increasing in the Jeonbuk region as the heatwave continues. In particular, about seven out of every ten patients are seniors aged 61 or older, prompting calls to refrain from outdoor activities and farm work during daytime hours.

Amidst the ongoing extreme heatwave, on the 10th, rescuers from the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Fire Department are transporting a heat illness patient in their 70s. Provided by Jeonbuk Self-Governing Province Fire Department

According to the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Fire Department on July 13, there were a total of 60 emergency dispatches related to heat-related illnesses in the province from May through July 12. Of these, 50 patients were transported to hospitals, while 10 received emergency treatment at the scene. There were no fatalities.

Since July, when the heatwave intensified, the number of patients has surged. The number of monthly dispatches was 11 in May, 23 in June, and 26 from July 1 to 12, surpassing last month's total in just 12 days.

For example, around noon on July 10, a report was received that a 78-year-old man collapsed while working in a field. Emergency responders provided ice packs and cold water massage to the patient, whose temperature had risen to 40.9 degrees Celsius. After regaining consciousness, the patient was transported to the hospital.

By type of heat-related illness, heat exhaustion was the most common, accounting for 33 cases, or 55% of the total. This was followed by 11 cases of heat stroke, 10 cases of heat syncope, and 6 cases of heat cramps. Notably, a significant number of patients suffered from heat stroke, which can be life-threatening, underscoring the importance of prompt response.

By age group, those aged 81 and older accounted for the most cases at 18, followed by 13 in the 61–70 age group and 10 in the 71–80 group. In total, 41 patients were aged 61 or older, representing 68.3% of all cases, indicating that the elderly are particularly vulnerable to heatwaves.

As for the locations where heat-related illnesses occurred, outdoor areas such as fields, mountains, and rivers accounted for 22 cases, the highest number, followed by roads and transportation areas with 17 cases, and homes and group living facilities with 13 cases. By time of day, 45 cases, or 75% of the total, occurred between noon and 6 p.m.

The fire authorities recommend, to prevent heat-related illnesses, avoiding outdoor activities and farm work as much as possible between noon and 6 p.m., drinking water frequently, and taking adequate rest. They also advise that if symptoms such as dizziness, headache, vomiting, muscle cramps, or decreased consciousness appear, people should immediately move to a cool place, lower their body temperature, and call 119 for assistance.

With heatwave advisories continuing nationwide, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s surveillance system for heat-related illnesses is also reporting a consistent increase in cases. Rural areas, in particular, require special attention to prevent heatwave damage, as they have a high proportion of elderly residents and frequent outdoor work.

Jin Hyungmin, head of the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Fire Department, said, “Heat-related illnesses occur most frequently during the hottest hours of the day and while performing outdoor activities such as farm work. Seniors should refrain from unnecessary outings and strenuous work, and family members and neighbors should regularly check on their health status.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.