Paris 2024 Olympics bolstered by reinforced first-aid services amid soaring temperatures: Video
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games suffer soaring temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius, the French humanitarian association Paris Seine Civil Protection has reinforced first-aid services at Olympic venues.
The team has prepared extra cold packs, water, and measures to check the temperatures of people feeling unwell, relocating aid stations into the shade during the heatwave.
"We have been having cases of hyperthermia and heatstroke for several years now, particularly involving racing events, like the 20 km of Paris race, and other similar incidents that we didn't necessarily have before, but with the rise of temperatures, we clearly have this problem, so our first-aiders are well-prepared," said Daphne Maurel, general manager of the association, quoted by AFP.
Maurel further emphasised the current situation: "We know that there are more cases of hyperthermia on the Olympic sites that are open, we can see this first-hand, and we are reinforcing all cold packs and water, if necessary. We also tell all our first-aiders that, when they take charge of a victim, whether it's someone who's fainted or not feeling very well, they immediately check their temperature. This is done systematically, and they place the person in the shade in a cool place, and as soon as they suspect hyperthermia or see that the temperature is high, they quickly carry out a medical check-up and call for medical advice.”
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which began on July 26, feature over ten thousand athletes competing in 32 different sports, including various outdoor events like marathons, football, and rugby. The games will conclude on August 11.