Czech emergency services see surge in calls amid extreme heat

Heatwave conditions across the Czech Republic have driven a sharp rise in ambulance deployments. In the Zlín region, rescuers responded to more than 250 incidents by late Sunday, roughly a third more than the previous day, including a remarkable emergency where a father, guided by an emergency‑call operator, helped deliver a healthy baby within five minutes.

In the neighbouring Královéhradecký region, daily averages climbed to about 226 calls, a 29 % increase over the long‑term norm of 175. Meteorologists recorded temperatures reaching 38 °C, with forecasts warning of peaks above 41 °C. The heat has triggered numerous collapse cases, worsened chronic illnesses, and heightened the risk of accidents due to fatigue and dehydration. Health officials urge the public to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak sun hours, and protect vulnerable groups such as seniors, chronically ill patients, and children.