A social watch system is underway until March 31, to anticipate cold spells and to protect vulnerable populations.
As the first snows have fallen, France is preparing to face winter. From 1er November until March 31, the seasonal watch is activated in order to “detect, prevent and limit the health and social consequences of winter cold”, announces the Ministry of Health.
Respiratory infections directly linked to the cold, hypothermia or frostbite, falls on patches of ice, carbon monoxide poisoning induced by improper use of heating devices, increase in cardiovascular disease, every winter, emergencies are engorged by hundreds victims of cold spells, in particular vulnerable people (the elderly, infants or the homeless).
The main objective of the system put in place for the winter season is therefore to prepare the reception of all these patients in hospitals and the shelter of homeless people in temporary accommodation centers.
Attention to vulnerable people
Thus, throughout the winter, the Samu social teams, which can be reached free of charge 24 hours a day at 115, will be reinforced. Each year, around 70% of the 1,500 daily calls to the Samu social make mention of homelessness.
At the same time, health establishments will have to ensure the continuity of care and anticipate the additional influx of patients despite a slowdown due to the winter holidays. They will also have to ensure that their staff can travel to their place of work as well as health products.
“In the event of a cold snap or an intense episode of snow or ice, it may be considered to have recourse to the mobilization of the sanitary reserve, for example to strengthen the care or medico-social structures already overloaded, according to the modalities provided for in the context of use of the health reserve ”, provides for the device.
In addition, communication campaigns will be broadcast on television and radio to make the population aware of the consequences of the cold and to teach them the right reflexes. For example, they recommend avoiding physical exertion because the cold already exhausts the body a lot, and because this would aggravate heart pathologies.
In the event of a period of very cold weather, the radio messages will also call to stay at home. If the trip cannot be postponed, it is better not to go out with children even if they are well covered. And if the use of the car is essential, “it is important to check its general working condition and not to leave without having listened to the weather forecast and brought a first aid kit, blankets and a hot drink! », Indicates the French Public Health Agency.
Be careful with the heating
But during this winter period, the house too can be a dangerous place. Each year, around 100 deaths are linked to carbon monoxide poisoning. Undetectable gas produced by poorly maintained or improperly installed heaters, or improper use of generators and backup heaters. The authorities thus recall that these devices must not be used continuously, and placed outside with regard to the generators.
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