Tens of thousands could die: Germany poorly prepared for heat!

Tens of thousands could die: Germany poorly prepared for heat!

A current analysis of the German Society for Geriatrics (DGG) draws attention to the alarming inadequate insufficient heat provision in Germany. The study, published in the magazine for geriatrics and gerontology, turns out to be a wake -up call: Without reasonable measures, tens of thousands of people could die from extreme heat in a few days. Vulnerable groups, including older people, chronically ill, children, pregnant women, people who work outdoors, and homeless people are particularly at risk.

older people are particularly affected because they react less effectively to temperature changes. Factors such as restricted temperature regulation, reduced thirst, the effect of certain medications, frequent previous illnesses as well as limited mobility and cognitive restrictions help to be exposed to a higher risk.

poor preparation and demands for reforms

In Germany, extreme heat is not legally considered a disaster, which leads to a lack of responsibilities and emergency plans. The communication strategies with the population also leave something to be desired. The DGG therefore calls for a fundamental reform of heat provision. This includes, among other things, the definition of extreme heat events as natural disasters, the revision of existing heat action plans and the establishment of crisis rods in cities and municipalities.

• Adjustment of the emergency rooms to rising patient numbers.
• Data comparison between health and long-term care funds for the identification of endangered persons.
• Mobilization of user teams for vulnerable groups.
• opening and marking chilled public rooms.
• Creation of evacuation plans for affected districts.
• Temporary employment bans in external activities.
• activation of lay helpers: inside.

international examples illustrate the urgency, such as the heat wave in Vancouver 2021 or the comparable developments in the USA, India, Saudi Arabia and Australia. In Germany, an estimated 7,600 people died in 2003 due to extreme heat.

growing heat waves due to climate change

The increase in temperature records and heat waves in Germany is, according to the Federal Environmental Office a direct consequence of climate change. The monitoring report on the German adaptation strategy to climate change shows a significant increase in hot days and tropical nights since the 1980s. Since 2005 there has been no year without heat warnings, and forecasts indicate that the number of heat waves could be quadrupled by the end of the century.

according to the Robert Koch-Institut (rki) is the greatest health threat to humanity. Extreme heat has serious health effects, in particular Cardiovascular system, which can lead to morbidity and mortality. People of old age, people with previous illnesses and socially marginalized people are particularly at risk.

The health of the population is at stake and time is pushing. Sustainable financing and the implementation of heat protection measures in municipalities are essential to cope with this challenge and to protect the health of the citizens.