Monday, August 21 was “the hottest day ever recorded in France following August 15″identified Météo-France in this new episode of high heat which is part of the summer of 2023. A situation which, in certain cases, can lead to pathologies in people who are fragile or sensitive to high temperatures.
Professor Yann-Erick Claessens, head of the emergency department at the Princess Grace Hospital Center, provides an update on the situation in the Principality.
Do the heat waves we are currently experiencing have an impact on the patients received in the CHPG emergency room?
First, I would like to clarify that there is no heat wave in the strict sense. The current episode we are going through does not meet the definition of a heat wave. But it is very hot. The reality, moreover, is that since 2003, people have understood the need to equip themselves and protect themselves from the heat, on a personal level and in the professional context. Public health messages have gone through well. And, overall, with a few exceptions, we have very few heat-related pathologies. As every year, during these periods when it is hot, the most fragile elderly people may find themselves dehydrated, but ultimately less than in previous years.
What other populations can be victims of high heat?
People who work outdoors, especially on construction sites, who from time to time feel unwell due to the heat. We also have some summer visitors who, following spending time on the beach and perhaps consuming alcohol – which does not hydrate but dehydrates – make them feel a bit unwell. Compared to previous years, this is marginal. On the one hand because the heat episode is not as intense and prolonged as in previous years. But also that the public health messages have been heard by the population. Everyone equipped themselves when they might. And on the other hand, treating physicians are particularly attentive to adapting their treatments to fragile populations. The same is true in nursing homes. This year, we have not had a nursing home patient come to the emergency room for an episode of dehydration.
Do you have any recommendations for keeping out of the hot weather?
We are in a mature situation since the heat wave that took place twenty years ago. I believe that the main principles of prevention are known: hydrate regularly, favor shade. For example, the fact of having postponed the football match between AS Monaco and Strasbourg last Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. was a good thing. It was useless to expose the athletes, but also the public, to the heat. The important thing in medicine is prevention. When you have to heal, it’s already too late.
