The Fire Agency reported on the 25th that from May 15 to August 12 this year, the number of heat-related illnesses recorded during the summer was 2,866. This is an increase of 1.37 times compared to the same period last year.
By age group, the 60s and above accounted for the highest percentage of heat-related illnesses at 57.8% (1,644 people). This was followed by those in their 50s (443 people), 40s (251 people), 30s (243 people), 20s (161 people), and those under 20 (98 people).
By gender, males accounted for 72% (2,047 people), which is about 2.5 times more than females at 27.9% (793 people). However, the gender or age of 26 people was not confirmed.
Additionally, it was found that heat-related illnesses mainly occurred between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. The period from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. accounted for 32.2% (924 people), while the period from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. accounted for 30% (862 people).
The locations where heat-related illnesses occurred were primarily at home (20.3%, 575 people), on roads and other traffic areas (18.4%, 522 people), and in nature areas including seas, rivers, mountains, and fields (16.6%, 471 people). In contrast, there were a total of 28 instances of cardiac arrest, with 64.2% (18 people) occurring in outdoor activity spaces such as seas, rivers, mountains, and fields. The Fire Agency stated that "being outdoors for extended periods in high-temperature environments is dangerous."
By region, Gyeonggi Province had the highest number of heat-related illnesses at 582 people, followed by Seoul (438 people), North Jeolla Province (250 people), North Gyeongsang Province (243 people), and South Chungcheong Province (230 people).
Yu Byeong-wook, head of the 119 Emergency Rescue Division of the Fire Agency, noted, "This summer, heat-related illnesses concentrated among the elderly and outdoor participants amid record-breaking heat. People should ensure to rest adequately in the shade during the day, drink water frequently, and follow safety guidelines such as working in pairs when farming or engaging in outdoor activities."