Heat wave 2025: This is how everyone protects themselves from deadly heat!

Heat wave 2025: This is how everyone protects themselves from deadly heat!

The temperatures are rising and not just in Hesse! Forecasts point to a hot summer in 2025, which poses major challenges for all of us. In the summer of 2024, Germany already recorded over 3,000 heat-related deaths, and the health risks from heat waves remain serious. Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe has now published a free e-book on heat protection that offers valuable tips on prevention, especially for vulnerable groups such as older people, children and those in need of care. Johanniter reports on recommendations such as avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest times of the day and drinking 2-3 liters fluid daily.

Unfortunately, when things get really hot again, dehydration, heat stroke and cardiovascular problems are common emergencies. The current health statistics also speak for themselves: In the summer of 2022, around 9,100 people died in Germany due to extreme heat, a number that exceeds the deaths from traffic accidents and drug use combined. ZDF emphasizes that older people and people with previous illnesses such as respiratory diseases, diabetes or cardiovascular problems are particularly at risk. Their ability to adapt to high temperatures decreases, increasing the risk of heat damage.

Practical tips for the heat

The e-book also contains clear recommendations on how to survive the hot days better. This includes finding shady, cool places and wearing airy clothing and a hat. Sunscreens with a high sun protection factor should also be used. If you have symptoms such as nausea or circulatory problems, it is important to act immediately and contact emergency services if necessary. Prevention is the smartest way.

• Anstrengende Tätigkeiten vermeiden
• Kühle Orte aufsuchen
• 2-3 Liter Flüssigkeit täglich trinken (Wasser, ungesüßte Tees)
• Atmungsaktive Kleidung tragen
• Sonnencreme mit hohem Lichtschutzfaktor verwenden

In Germany, climate change has already led to rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves. The last three years have been the warmest since regular measurements began. This shows the importance of preparing and developing heat action plans. A study by the Technical University of Munich shows that creating more green spaces and water areas in cities can significantly reduce heat stress. Experts therefore say that communities must take active steps to improve heat protection. Apotheken Umschau explains that only about a quarter of Bavarian cities have taken any measures to support the population during heat waves.

So it's time to take action! Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, which has been active in civil protection since 1952, provides a valuable resource with its e-book. Because as the organization aptly puts it: “Prevention is golden, first aid is silver.” The public is invited to find out more about heat protection in order to get through the coming summers safely.