Preventing Heat Stroke

[Anchor Lead]

A growing number of people in Korea are falling victim to heat strokes because of the scorching weather. Efforts are underway to reduce damage from the heat wave.

[Pkg]

In the scorching sunshine in a downtown area, street flusher trucks move around to cool the hot asphalt. Because of the prolonged heat wave, more than 27,000 tons of water have been sprinkled in Seoul alone, three times as much as last year.

[Soundbite] Na Seung-ho(Seoul Resident) : "The water dries up in an instant, because it's too hot. We're have our hands full these days, as we have to sprinkle water three or four times a day."

The road surface becomes hot in no time, because it is completely exposed to the sun and absorbs solar radiant heat. Large electric fans, mist fountains and sprinklers have been deployed to keep the temperatures down. Ice vests are a must for workers who work outdoors.

[Soundbite] "It's really cool."

They help to lower the body temperature by one or two degrees, but they do little to prevent heavy sweating.

[Soundbite] Lee Sang-man(Worker) : "I can't see well because of the sweat. Sometimes I feel very numb."

Fire stations are also on high alert, because of the soaring number of heat stroke patients. Ambulances equipped with ice packs, saline solutions and ion drinks tour areas where residents are particularly prone to heat strokes to prepare for emergencies.

[Soundbite] Ko Seon-ho(Seoul Gwangjin Fire Station) : "Many people collapse while working outdoors. We are mobilized about 20 percent more than usual."

Preparation for the hot weather is vital, as the heat wave is expected to continue for the time being.