Deputy Director of the Osijek-Baranja County Emergency Medicine Institute, Dr. Sunčica Prašnički, reveals that the number of calls has increased by 20 to 30 percent, with chronic patients, children, and the elderly being the most vulnerable.
The heatwave that has once again gripped Osijek and its surroundings has led to a significant increase in the number of interventions by the Osijek-Baranja County Emergency Medicine Institute. According to Deputy Director Dr. Sunčica Prašnički, the number of calls and field responses has risen by 20 to 30 percent compared to typical days.
"Of course, not every shift is the same, but that's roughly the case over the last four to five days," Dr. Prašnički told SiB.hr. She added that the situation is similar to previous years, but also noted that during the first heatwave of this year in late June, an even more dramatic spike of 40 percent was recorded.
The most at-risk groups for heatstroke are the elderly, young children, and chronic patients. High temperatures primarily lead to a worsening of their existing conditions. Dr. Prašnički detailed what doctors most commonly encounter.
"For example, cardiovascular patients may experience rapid heart rate, dizziness, and a drop in blood pressure, while lung patients show an increased urge to cough and more frequent episodes of breathing difficulties, and neurological patients suffer from fatigue, exhaustion, and dehydration," she explained.
Although heatstroke can affect even perfectly healthy individuals, Dr. Prašnički emphasizes the importance of prevention. In such situations, she advises chronic patients to first try to calm down, take deep breaths, and consult their family physician about possible therapy adjustments.
For all citizens, her recommendations are clear: "You should regularly hydrate with plain and mineral water, reduce alcohol consumption, eat light meals, dress lightly, and avoid being outdoors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you absolutely must go out, stay in the shade as much as possible, and if you go swimming, apply sunscreen, especially for the youngest."
While emergency teams were busy, residents sought relief from the 37 degrees Celsius measured in Osijek by heading to the river. The popular city beach Copacabana, better known as Kopika, was packed with swimmers. Both young and old gathered on the shore and in the water, with many enjoying picigin, sunbathing, and cold drinks.
Despite the unbearable heat, the atmosphere at the recently renovated Kopika was relaxed and filled with summer socializing. The Osijek-Baranja County Emergency Medicine Institute says they remain on high alert and urges citizens not to underestimate the warnings. They especially ask family members and neighbors to keep an eye on elderly and frail individuals living alone during the heatwave, checking that they have enough fluids and are in a cool space.
