Health authorities in Germany are making plans to improve warnings and responses to heatwaves. Similar to France, which has had a national heat protection plan since 2004, Germany aims to implement measures based on outside temperature. The Federal Ministry of Health has invited representatives from nursing, the medical profession, municipalities, and experts including the German Weather Service to discuss the national heat plan. They also want to develop nationwide recommendations for heat protection plans in care facilities and for care services.
Doctors will be encouraged to warn vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with pre-existing illnesses during heatwaves. Last year, approximately 4,500 people in Germany died from heat-related causes. However, these deaths have not yet been officially recorded. The Federal Minister of Health, Karl Lauterbach, emphasized the need for common principles nationwide to tackle heat-related deaths.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recently introduced a weekly heat radar that compares the increase in mortality rates with rising temperatures. The RKI aims to collect data-based evidence to identify unusual effects on morbidity and implement preventive measures. They plan to develop their health reporting system based on the French model.
One consideration is making the heat warning system of the German Weather Service mandatory for acute measures, such as in care facilities. Additionally, the authorities are exploring methods to inform as many people as possible about heatwaves, such as through apps or SMS alerts. The Federal Center for Health Education is also expanding its online heat protection campaign.
