Hungary's ambulance service and health ministry roll out heat‑wave safeguards for emergency care

The National Ambulance Service (OMSZ) announced measures to maintain patient care during the ongoing heat wave. All ambulance and standby vehicles are equipped with functioning air‑conditioning in both patient and driver compartments, with 97.8% of units operational and repairs underway on 24 vehicles. About 95% of the 256 ambulance stations have climate‑controlled interiors, while the remaining locations are being upgraded. The service also distributed tens of thousands of litres of mineral water, valued at roughly 6.6 million forints, to staff and patients.

Health Minister Miklós Hegedűs warned that non‑urgent complaints should be directed to general practitioners, on‑call services, or the 1830 hotline to ease pressure on emergency departments. He advised patients to bring water and highlighted that the extreme heat increases risks of dehydration, heatstroke, and exacerbates conditions for the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with cardiovascular or respiratory illnesses. The ministry emphasized hydration, avoiding outdoor activity during peak heat, and using protective clothing and shade.