With Sensors Against Heatwaves: Innovation at the Red Cross Can Save Lives

Paramedics from the Red Cross receive special sensors as part of the "TIRD" project, which document the climatic conditions at the scene, as the aid organization reported on Wednesday. Temperature and humidity are measured and recorded in the patient report. The thermo-hygrometers are expected to become standard in all rescue vehicles in the coming days and are also part of the paramedics' equipment, said Federal Rescue Commander Gerry Foitik to the APA.

Heat makes you sick: Documentation to be improved with new sensors

Even now, paramedics document environmental factors at the scene in addition to vital signs. The new data is intended to help better capture heat-associated illnesses and make it visible that heat has health consequences for society, Foitik told the APA. "If a person has to live in more than 30 degrees room temperature and high humidity, it negatively affects their health. We record the determined values in the patient report and thus provide a continuous information chain from the living room to the emergency room," he is quoted in a release.

Data relevant to environmental medicine also collected

The data from the sensors is not only used for incident documentation but is also made available to environmental medicine specialists for further scientific insights. "For our healthcare system, it is essential to better research the effects of extreme heat on people's lives to ensure proper care in the future," said Foitik. Due to climate change, heatwaves are increasing - and so are heat-related emergencies. It is scientifically proven that mortality increases in these cases. Those affected are primarily people with pre-existing conditions and the elderly.

Heatwaves and Excess Mortality Are Linked

The health effects of heat are often underestimated, added Hans-Peter Hutter, senior physician and deputy head of the Department of Environmental Hygiene and Environmental Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, according to the release. "In addition to acute heat damage such as collapse and heat stroke, there is an increase in cardiovascular, respiratory, and kidney diseases, leading to increased hospital stays and premature deaths." In general, physical and mental performance is impaired, and according to the expert, psychological stress is also intensified. "For effective prevention, more detailed data is required to better assess the extent of health effects of heat and ultimately to improve measures to minimize the effects of heat."

Cooling Centers in Vienna Open from July

People in Vienna who suffer from the heat can cool down for free at the cooling centers at three locations starting in July. In the quiet, air-conditioned rooms, seating and reclining areas and water are available. Food and drinks can be brought along, and pets are allowed as long as they do not disturb the operation.

The cooling centers are located at the following locations:

(APA/Red)

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