“後遺症”リスクも…重症患者が語る熱中症の怖さ　全国で急増する救急搬送者数【報道ステーション】(2026年7月24日)

Dangerous, life-threatening heat continues. On the 24th, temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, and Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, marking the fourth consecutive day of extreme heat nationwide. The number of heatstroke patients being transported to hospitals has also surged. We interviewed patients who were actually transported. ■Rapid Increase in Emergency Transports Nationwide A woman in her 70s was transported to a hospital by ambulance on the 22nd due to heatstroke. Woman in her 70s transported by ambulance for heatstroke "I don't really know (the reason for being transported). I don't know why." She lost consciousness on her balcony and was found an hour later by a neighbor. Woman in her 70s transported by ambulance for heatstroke (Q. You seem normal) "I don't think so... I'm surprised." Life-threatening heat continued on the 24th. This marked the fourth consecutive day of extreme heat in Japan, tying the record for the longest period of "disaster-level heat" on record. According to data compiled by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the number of people transported by ambulance nationwide is approximately 2.2 times higher than the same period last year, with over 10,000 people being transported due to heatstroke. The areas with the highest numbers are the major metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Aichi, and Osaka. ■ A 59-year-old man who "suddenly lost consciousness" In Osaka City, on the 24th alone, there were 77 119 emergency calls related to suspected heatstroke. Osaka Gyomeikan Hospital, which accepts emergency patients 24 hours a day, has admitted 14 heatstroke patients this month alone. The symptoms progress without the person noticing anything unusual. This was also the case for a 59-year-old truck driver. Truck driver (59) "I had to go load my truck, so I was loading it in the scorching sun when I started feeling something different. Just as I was almost finished, I couldn't stand anymore, and that was it." He was unloading the cargo outdoors. He was taking precautions such as staying hydrated, but he suddenly lost consciousness. Truck driver (59) "After arriving, I couldn't urinate. (The doctor) asked, 'Shall we go?' and I was able to urinate, but not in large quantities. It was definitely dehydration." The man was diagnosed with 'moderate' heatstroke, requiring hospitalization. Moderate heatstroke presents with headaches, nausea, and severe fatigue, and can worsen if left untreated. It accounts for approximately 40% of those transported to hospitals. ■Dehydration leading to organ dysfunction Truck driver (59) "I was at work, so everyone around me helped me, which is why I'm only this far. If I had collapsed in a place where no one was around, there would have been nothing I could have done. I wouldn't say I was on the verge of death, but it was dangerous." In this man's case, the effects of heatstroke manifested in his kidneys. Dr. Satoshi Matsutani, Osaka Gyomeikan Hospital "Sometimes the kidneys themselves become damaged, but more often than not, dehydration causes insufficient blood flow to the kidneys." How long will the hospital stay be? Dr. Satoshi Matsutani, Osaka Gyomeikan Hospital: "Some people recover quickly once dehydration is relieved through intravenous fluids. If they can eat and drink orally soon after, their recovery can be relatively short. However, although rare, some may become bedridden." ■Critical condition with a core body temperature of 40 degrees Celsius There is a hospital treating such severely ill patients. Aichi Medical University Hospital, Advanced Emergency and Critical Care Center. The man (in his 70s) had a core body temperature of 40 degrees Celsius upon arrival on the 22nd, and also exhibited symptoms of impaired consciousness and seizures. Dr. Eizo Watanabe, Director, Advanced Emergency and Critical Care Center, Aichi Medical University Hospital: "We were concerned about the onset of organ damage, so it was necessary to quickly lower his body temperature and respond quickly to any organ damage." His body temperature was thoroughly lowered with a cold shower, and medication to stop seizures was administered. As a result, the man recovered to the point where he could speak. Male (70s) "I was in critical condition, and it seemed like I wouldn't make it. That's how it looked to those around me. I regained some consciousness and finally realized where I was. I've managed to recover as quickly as possible. I think I can make it if I just hold on a little longer. Thanks to the desperate treatment I received, I've been able to live this life again." ■ Severe cases increase the risk of long-term complications This hospital was one of the first in the country to operate a doctor helicopter. This month, two heatstroke patients were transported using this helicopter. Dr. Watanabe explains that the risk of long-term complications increases significantly with severe cases. Dr. Eizo Watanabe, Director of the A...