From Hildburg Bruns
Heat is a hot, serious topic. “Heat kills people. That’s a scandal!” warns Berlin’s Chamber of Physicians, Peter Bobbert (44). “Even in 2023, heat is not yet firmly anchored in people’s minds as a danger.”
Around 25 hot days in Berlin, i.e. over 23 degrees around the clock. Does the world of work now arrive without heat? “Heat-free is not a solution for weeks of hot periods – not even for schoolchildren,” says Berlin’s new health senator Ina Czyborra (56, SPD). The alternative? Czyborra: “There will be more of an exciting debate about working hours, dress codes and opening times.”
Medicines can work differently
Statisticians counted 68 heat deaths in Berlin in 2021, 111 in Brandenburg, and hundreds in 2022. This is not easy to prove medically. That is why one observes the so-called excess mortality – i.e. compares it with the normal number of deaths. Older people, people with lung and kidney diseases are more at risk. Medications can work differently. “There are also roofers who fall dead from the roof after hours of work, or younger people who get a heart attack at the company run,” says Dr. Martin Herrmann from the German Alliance for Climate Change.
What to do? There are now heat protection plans everywhere in Berlin hospitals. “The most important thing is to create responsibilities, to appoint a person. For example, who makes sure that medicines are not stored above 25 degrees. Or that bedridden people actually drink the water that is placed by the bed.”
With 250,000 postcards, which are distributed via pharmacies, the Tafel, Meals on Wheels, etc., the health authority provides information on the back about sensible behavioral measures – such as wearing a hat, damp cloths on the neck, not baking or ironing. Czyborra: “If you hang a card on the fridge, it might encourage you to drink.”
The health authority gives tips for the heat season on postcards Photo: Berlin Senate
Having a baby in the delivery room at 42 degrees
“Heat is wonderful. But where is the point when it tips over?” Herrmann criticizes. “Just a few days ago, a woman told me that she had to give birth in a delivery room at 42 degrees. What does that mean for the midwife, for the doctors, for the mother? I hear many such cases. Most companies have not addressed heat protection.”
The expert also puts pressure on politicians: “Info flyers are great. But we don’t have any clear concepts yet. For example, for problematic stations that have to be closed to bring people to cooling centers.” Berlin districts are at least working on designating cooler public spaces in the city area. For example the district library in Buch.
By the way: There is no such thing as heat-free in schools above a certain temperature. Lessons should be adapted to the weather and can only be canceled in exceptional cases. However, schools can opt for shorter teaching hours – this is not possible in the sixth form and at vocational schools. Lunch and swimming will not be skipped.