Emergency plans have been activated at hospitals in the Greater Paris region to mobilize further staff to deal with a rising number of patients struggling with the extreme heat that has gripped Western Europe this week.
The heatwave is putting pressure on the health care system, and in particular on emergency rooms and emergency services, Paris health authorities said on Friday.
Under the contingency plan, additional staff can be called in and collaboration intensified between healthcare facilities.
The Health Ministry also approved the nationwide deployment of medical students in emergency call centres and as medical dispatchers to ease the strain on the overburdened services.
The emergency services are currently being called out 61% more frequently in the Greater Paris area compared to last week, and 75% more frequently than during the same period last year, according to the authorities.
The number of patients under the age of 2 treated in emergency rooms has risen by 13% compared to last week, while the number of patients aged 75 and older has increased by 47%.
Some hospitals are experiencing power cuts and failures of refrigeration units, which are also affecting air-conditioning systems. The heatwave has also led to an increase in the number of patients being admitted with mental health issues, with additional beds being made available to accommodate them, according to the authorities.
Meanwhile, the Paris ambulance service was in danger of running out of ice due to the large numbers of people requiring treatment for heat-related ailments.
To help alleviate the shortage, supermarket chain Carrefour has provided 4 tons of ice, chief executive Alexandre Bompard said.
The load has been transported under police escort to the ice rink at Paris' Accor Arena for temporary storage.
Temperatures soared to up to 41 degrees Celsius again in the Paris region and in eastern France on Friday, according to the country's weather service.
