Rapidly lowering body temperature is critical for survival when treating victims of severe heat-related illness during South Korea's ongoing heat wave [1].
Immediate cooling determines whether a severe heat-related illness progresses to a fatal outcome, making the first few minutes of intervention vital for patient recovery [1, 2].
Emergency officials advise moving victims to a cool place immediately if they experience dizziness or a loss of energy [1]. To lower body temperature quickly, responders should apply water-soaked cloths and ice packs to the victim's skin [1, 2].
Certain symptoms indicate a medical emergency. "If someone collapses, becomes sluggish, or loses consciousness, it may be a severe heat-related illness such as heatstroke, and you must report it to 119 immediately," reporter Ko Jae-hyung said [1].
Proper communication with emergency services is essential for effective triage. Callers should provide the exact location, and the victim's state of consciousness, to the dispatcher [1].
Lee Joon-su of the Jeju East Fire Department said the importance of maintaining the connection during the call. "When reporting to 119, provide the location and consciousness status accurately, and if you do not hang up the phone, you can also receive guidance on first aid," Lee said [1].
These protocols are being highlighted as South Korea manages the impact of high temperatures across the peninsula, including the Jeju Island region [1, 2].
“Rapidly lowering body temperature is critical for survival in severe heat-related illness.”
The emphasis on 'cooling speed' reflects a medical priority to prevent permanent organ damage or death caused by hyperthermia. By instructing bystanders to remain on the line with 119 dispatchers, South Korean emergency services are attempting to bridge the critical gap between the onset of heatstroke and the arrival of professional paramedics, effectively turning untrained bystanders into first-response assets.
