Red Cross Warns: Even Healthy People Are at Risk During Heatwaves

Schreiber pointed out that the effects of high temperatures are frequently underestimated. Many people spend longer periods outdoors during summer heat, for instance in parks, at sporting events, or at swimming pools, which increases the number of heat-related collapses and circulatory problems. Younger and supposedly healthy individuals can also be affected if they ignore the body's warning signs or fail to drink enough fluids.

Heat Protection Plans and Measures

Authorities and aid organizations are responding to the sustained strain with concrete measures. Capacity at emergency dispatch centers is being scaled up to handle the rising number of emergency calls. In addition, heat protection plans have been activated, which include, among other things, providing materials for heat-related emergencies and ensuring that medications are stored properly at high temperatures.

Public information also plays a central role in the current plans. The Red Cross urged people to drink sufficient water, avoid direct sunlight during the midday hours, and, where possible, schedule physical exertion for the early morning or late evening hours. Older people, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses should also regularly watch for signs of heatstroke such as dizziness, nausea, or severely reddened skin.

Public Urged to Look Out for One Another

In Vienna and other heavily affected regions such as the Floridsdorf district, mobile support teams have been deployed in greater numbers, according to the ÖRK, visiting at-risk individuals and providing them with drinks and initial medical assistance. The City of Vienna had previously expanded public drinking water fountains and opened cool public spaces. Schreiber stressed that such services are well used but are not yet known to all those affected.

AGES, the Agency for Health and Food Safety, pointed out in a recent analysis the link between persistently high temperatures and increased mortality. Particular attention must be paid to consistent cooling and adequate fluid intake in care facilities and hospitals. The findings align with observations made by emergency services, which have recorded an above-average number of callouts in recent days for heat-related complaints.

Long-Term Adaptation Called For

Schreiber recalled that heatwaves are no longer a rarity in Austria and that adapting to these extremes in the long term also requires structural and organizational changes. These include, for example, greening inner cities, creating more shaded areas, and better equipping retirement and care homes with air conditioning. In the Red Cross's assessment, such measures could help reduce the number of heat-related emergencies in the future.

Until the heatwave ends, aid organizations called on the public to look out for one another. Neighbors, relatives, or acquaintances who live alone should be contacted regularly and asked about their condition. If signs of a severe heat reaction appear — such as loss of consciousness, confusion, or very high body temperature — emergency number 144 must be called immediately.