Sharp Increase in Emergency Calls Due to Heatwave – Medical Experts Expect Peak in the Coming Days

Paris – 23.06.2026: The strain on emergency call centers in France is rising significantly with the current heatwave. In many regions, medical control centers report an increase in calls by 20 to 30 percent, especially those related to heat-related complaints. Doctors and nurses are concerned as temperatures are forecast to continue rising, leading to an expected further surge in medical emergencies. Those most affected are primarily the elderly, chronically ill, and people who work or live outdoors.

The heatwave, which has gripped large parts of France for days, is causing an increase in heat-related illnesses such as circulatory problems, dehydration, and heatstroke. Leadership of the medical emergency services has already intensified preventive measures and appeals to the public to follow protective measures such as drinking sufficient fluids and avoiding direct sunlight. Additionally, extra resources are being mobilized to manage the growing number of calls and deployments.

Regional differences are evident in the intensity of the increase, but especially in the southern and central regions of France, control centers report high demand. Hospitals and emergency departments are also preparing for an influx of patients with heat-related complaints. The health ministries are working closely with regional authorities to strengthen operational capacities and ensure care provision.

Medical professionals emphasize that the coming days are critical as further temperature increases are forecast. The combination of extreme heat and partly high humidity raises the risk of severe health consequences, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those with existing cardiovascular conditions.

To mitigate the impact on the population, French authorities rely on preventive information campaigns to raise awareness of the risks and recommend concrete behavioral measures. At the same time, a short-term easing of the weather situation is not yet expected, underscoring the urgency of precautionary measures.

The healthcare system in France thus faces a challenging period during which it is essential to respond promptly to the rising need for medical care. Emergency centers and hospitals again call on the public to respond quickly in emergencies but also to avoid unnecessary calls to not impair operational readiness.

In conclusion, it is recommended to especially watch over elderly neighbors, family members, or people living alone and to seek medical help immediately at signs of heat-related damage. The coming days will be crucial for managing the health impacts of the heatwave in France.