Czech hospitals see surge in patients during intense heatwave

Hospitals in South Moravia are coping with several consecutive days of tropical temperatures, with forecasts of 36‑40 °C. They have not postponed scheduled procedures but are increasing hydration measures, expanding air‑conditioning and deploying mobile units. Staff report a rise in injuries, including traffic accidents and sports‑related incidents, and note that chronic patients and seniors are especially vulnerable.

In Prague, ambulance dispatches rose sharply, with 44 calls on one hot day and a further 20 the next morning, far above the usual daily total of about 400. Emergency departments recorded a 30 % increase in admissions at Faculties of Medicine in Vinohrady and Bulovka, and 10‑15 % rises at Motol and Homolka. Most cases involve heat‑related ailments such as heat stroke, dehydration and collapses, affecting primarily seniors and individuals with heart, kidney or cancer conditions. Medical officials stress the importance of fluid intake, avoiding alcohol and intense physical activity, and keeping indoor‑outdoor temperature differences modest.