Toulouse: with the hot weather, emergency services are experiencing an increase in activity
While the persistent high heat in Haute-Garonne, the emergency services of the Toulouse University Hospital are always full.
Emergency services have been running at full capacity for the past few days. In question ? The new wave of Covid-19 Coupled with the weather of recent days. Vincent Bounes, emergency physician, vice-president of the Occitanie region in charge of Health and director of Samu Haute-Garonne confirms that the high temperatures have generated many discomforts. “Friday was tense, we saw a lot of patients including a number of heat-related illnesses. It’s not a tidal wave but there is a large crowd with an increase in activities between 30 and 40% ”, slips the health professional. According to him, among these patients treated because of the high temperatures, these are young people. “These are people who have made significant sporting efforts in the heat, several have been admitted to intensive care units”, further specifies the director of Samu.
Air pollution in recent days has also played a role in the increased activity of emergency services in recent days. “The elderly mainly affected by respiratory diseases may be the target of decompensation due to this pollution peak”, indicates the emergency doctor. This is the reason why he wants to do prevention. “In young people who practice a sporting activity, it is essential to stop at the first symptoms if you feel chills like fever”, explains the practitioner. For the elderly, it is recommended not to hesitate to contact a doctor at the slightest sign of shortness of breath or abnormal fatigue.
Unlike last week, there is no strike planned this weekend in the emergency room. This means that the service is running in normal mode. In order not to clog the emergency room unnecessarily, it is recommended to contact your doctor or go to a medical center on call or to dial 15.