» The Teramo Local Health Authority activates the heat plan: a series of measures to manage heat-related emergencies

A strategic plan that provides local health care in addition to hospital care

The Teramo Local Health Authority is activating the “heat plan” from today. This is a series of measures to manage any health emergencies resulting from the heat, in application of the indications issued by the Abruzzo Region and the Ministry of Health.

To manage the effects of “heat stroke” caused by the heat waves expected during the summer, the Teramo Local Health Authority has activated a strategic plan which sees the involvement of local health care, as well as hospital care. The ASL is making available, as of today, two telephone numbers activated within the Uca of Roseto (335-6469712) and Tortoreto (366-6601644). These numbers will be answered by 8 to 20 healthcare personnel who will first and foremost provide telephone assistance to citizens experiencing symptoms attributable to heatstroke. In addition to telephone consultancy, depending on the different clinical situation, the patient may be referred to one of the two specially established clinics (open seven days a week), or a home visit may be activated or finally, for the most serious cases, he will be sent in the emergency room. Here a specific “heat code” has been activated to be attributed to patients with possible heat stroke. The two numbers are available to general practitioners, paediatricians of free choice and patients.

“In essence”, declares the general director of the ASL, Maurizio Di Giosia, “we intended to strengthen the proximity of services to the population to deal with any heat emergencies. A preferential care path has been established both locally and in the emergency rooms for the correct and rapid management of patients who present with symptoms attributable to heat stroke. At the same time, the plan will avoid further crowding of emergency rooms.”

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke to pay particular attention to are: sunstroke, cramps, edema, congestion, dehydration, effects on blood pressure, heat stress, aggravation of pre-existing diseases, fever and hyperthermia.