Urgent Appeal: Take High Temperatures Seriously and Avoid Health Risks All citizens should take high temperatures seriously and not overestimate their physical abilities.

Oberbergischer Kreis. The ongoing extreme heat is currently presenting significant challenges to the healthcare system. Hospitals in the Oberbergischer Kreis are currently experiencing a marked increase in heat-related hospital admissions. Capacities in many places are already exhausted.

It is becoming increasingly evident that not only high-risk groups are affected by the health impacts of the heat. Even individuals without pre-existing conditions are receiving medical treatment and being admitted to hospitals due to the high temperatures. The Oberbergischer Kreis therefore urgently appeals to citizens to take the current temperatures seriously and adjust their behavior accordingly.

District Administrator Klaus Grootens visited the emergency center of the Oberbergischer Kreis today to assess the current situation and stated: “The number of heat-related hospital admissions has significantly increased, and hospitals are already operating at their capacity limit. I therefore urgently appeal to all citizens: Please take the high temperatures seriously, do not overestimate your physical abilities, and adhere to the recommendations for heat protection. Each and every one of us can contribute to preventing health emergencies and alleviating the strain on our healthcare system during this tense situation.”

Due to the current situation, the Oberbergischer Kreis is in close communication with municipalities and hospitals in the district. Experts assess that all population groups are affected by the health consequences of extreme temperatures. The current weather conditions can generally pose health risks to everyone.

The Oberbergischer Kreis also requests that the emergency services and emergency rooms be used only in genuine emergencies so that the available capacities remain accessible for life-threatening situations.

The Oberbergischer Kreis strongly recommends:

• Avoid physical exertion and sports activities during the heat.
• Stay in cool or shaded areas as much as possible.
• Avoid direct sunlight, especially during midday and afternoon hours.
• Drink plenty of water regularly.
• Pay special attention to elderly people, children, and individuals with pre-existing conditions.
•  Check in with relatives, neighbors, and acquaintances to see if they need assistance.

Immediate action should be taken for the following symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe headaches
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of consciousness

Affected individuals should be promptly moved to a cool or shaded place and cooled down. In cases of severe symptoms, emergency services should be contacted immediately.

Further information on heat protection, health risks, and the heat warning app from the German Weather Service is available from the Oberbergischer Kreis at www.obk.de/hitze.