Heatwave, Simeu: A&E visits in major cities up by 10–15 per cent, but there is no cause for alarm
President Riccardi: “We are seeing many elderly people, particularly those living with multiple chronic conditions: they are the group most at risk when temperatures rise”
“We can estimate a 10–15 per cent increase in patient numbers in the A&E departments of major cities.” This statement was made by the president of the Italian Society of Emergency and Urgent Medicine (Simeu), Alessandro Riccardi. The heatwave that has hit Italy and parts of Europe shows no sign of abating and is beginning to have an impact on hospitals too. Riccardi points out, however, that the increase in admissions – which at present mainly concerns the elderly and people with mental health vulnerabilities – remains limited and the situation is not alarming.
Older people
“We see many elderly people, particularly those living with multiple chronic conditions: they are the group most at risk when temperatures rise,” explains Riccardi. However, “recently we have also been seeing requests for help from people with mental health issues. A&E often makes up for the lack of a support network: our facilities remain open day and night.”
It was precisely in this area that the Ministry of Health took action with a circular issued on 25 June. The circular recommends that A&E departments set up a dedicated triage system to ensure ‘prompt treatment for cases of heat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke, whilst avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions, in order to protect vulnerable groups (the elderly, children, patients with chronic conditions and those in socially vulnerable situations)’ and it announces a pilot scheme in 2026 to monitor access to local mental health services in selected sentinel facilities. The Ministry’s objective is “to improve knowledge and prevention targeted at the subgroups most at risk”.
Major cities
Given the extreme temperatures recorded in recent days, the president of Simeu points out, ‘hospitals are activating “heat codes” – a priority and differentiated care pathway for those showing signs and symptoms linked to high temperatures, of varying severity. It is a useful tool, but not a definitive solution from an organisational perspective. Heat codes are fine, but they do not significantly alter the structure of an A&E department.”
“Spikes in patient numbers due to the heat are currently affecting hospitals in large cities in particular, where the heat is more intense due to environmental and urban planning factors,” concludes Riccardi.
