La Revue du praticien
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The prevention of the health risks linked to the excess of heat comprises 5 axes: the sensitisation of fragile persons, families and health personnel to the danger that extreme heat represents; informing and educating about the measures to take before summer and during the scorching heat, identification of persons at risk, protecting, surveilling and alerting them. Two messages predominate: refresh oneself at least 2 hours per day in a cool place (less than 26 degrees C), and drink before being thirsty and beyond the thirst. The efficacity of the measures depend upon the level of general awareness when faced with the health risk that is associated with extreme heat.
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A heat wave of exceptional intensity occurred in France in August 2003, 2003 was the warmest of the last 53 years in terms of minimal, maximal and average temperatures, and in terms of duration. In addition, high temperatures and sunshine, causing the emission of pollutants, significantly increased the atmospheric ozone level. Some epidemiological studies were rapidly implemented during the month of August in order to asses the health impact of this heat wave. ⋯ The public health impact of the heat wave of August 2003 was major. This exceptional event raises questions about anticipating phenomena which are difficult to predict. The collaborative efforts which were developed and the group of actions and studies which were implemented in a context of emergency are now useful for the setting up of early warning strategies and thus efficient prevention.