In light of this situation, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Health Agency and Santé publique France Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Corsica are each urging everyone to exercise the utmost caution. Extreme heat can have serious health consequences from the very first days of exposure, regardless of age, and particularly among the most vulnerable populations: the elderly or isolated individuals, people with disabilities, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, young children, outdoor workers, and people living in precarious circumstances or who are homeless.
This heat wave is accompanied by high ozone levels in the Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse departments. This situation may exacerbate health risks, particularly among children, the elderly, and people with asthma or respiratory or heart conditions.

Enhanced mobilization by the ARS and its partners

As soon as the alert level was raised to orange, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Health Agency (ARS) activated its health monitoring and management unit, in coordination with Santé publique France Paca-Corse and regional health stakeholders. Particular attention is being paid to monitoring hospital activity in order to anticipate any strain on the system.

Santé publique France Paca-Corse is overseeing the epidemiological surveillance system, which is based on an analysis of visits to hospital emergency rooms and heat-related medical interventions by SOS Médecins, as well as mortality rates. Healthcare facilities, private practitioners, and long-term care facilities (Ehpad) are mobilized to ensure continuity of care and strengthen protection for the most vulnerable individuals.

Adopt the right habits to protect yourself: prevention first

It is essential to protect yourself before the first signs appear (headaches, cramps, nausea), but also to help protect others:

• stay cool, either at home or in an air-conditioned or well-ventilated place;
• drink water regularly, without waiting until you’re thirsty;
• sponge your body down several times a day;
• keep your home cool by closing shutters and windows during the day and ventilating at night;
• avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day;
• opt for light activities and limit intense physical and sports activities;
• opt for fresh, balanced meals;
• store medications away from heat and sunlight;
• avoid sugary, alcoholic, or caffeinated beverages, which can accelerate dehydration;
• limit tobacco use;
• Check in on the most vulnerable and make sure they have the necessary means to cool off and stay hydrated.

If you experience any symptoms, call 15

A healthcare professional will direct you to the most appropriate care: medical advice, an in-person consultation, a telemedicine consultation, an on-call medical center, the emergency department, or, if necessary, medical transport.

Activation of the “Canicule Info Service” toll-free number

The Ministry of Labor, Health, Solidarity, and Families has activated the “Heat Wave Info Service” toll-free number. It is available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (toll-free from mainland France) and will remain active until the end of the heat wave. This number provides advice on how to protect yourself and those around you, especially the most vulnerable.

• Find practical advice, steps to take, and tips for coping with the heat on the “Living with the Heat” website from Santé publique France.

Preventing Drowning Risks During a Heat Wave

During periods of extreme heat, the number of people visiting swimming areas—both natural bodies of water and swimming pools—increases significantly. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Health Agency (ARS) emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant to prevent drowning, which is the leading cause of accidental death among those under 25 but also affects other age groups (Drowning Report | Santé publique France). Swimmers are advised to choose supervised areas, follow safety guidelines, avoid swimming after prolonged sun exposure, and keep a constant watch on children, even in shallow water.

When do we talk about a heat wave?

A heat wave refers to a period during which temperatures can pose a health risk to the population. The intensity of a heat wave is measured by a biometeorological index (BMI) calculated by averaging the maximum and minimum temperatures over three days. Météo France issues an orange heat wave alert for a department when these BMIs exceed the thresholds established by Santé publique France. The heat wave monitoring period runs from June 1 to September 15. This period may be moved up or extended by a few days if weather conditions require it.

• Download the ARS PACA communication kits