HSE Issues Urgent Heatwave Health Guidance as Ambulance Services Report Surge in Heat-Related Call-Outs
The Health Service Executive issued urgent public health guidance on 25 June as Ireland's record-breaking heatwave drove a significant increase in ambulance call-outs and emergency department attendance across the country, with the health service placing particular emphasis on the vulnerability of elderly people, young children, and those with chronic health conditions to the effects of extreme heat.
Background
Ireland's public health system has been developing its response to heatwave events over the past decade, as the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events has increased in line with global climate trends. The HSE's heatwave response plan, which was developed in collaboration with the Department of Health and the National Emergency Management Agency, sets out a series of graduated responses to different levels of heat severity, from public information campaigns to the activation of additional health service capacity.
The challenge of managing heat-related illness in Ireland is compounded by several factors that are specific to the Irish context. The country's housing stock is among the worst insulated in Europe, designed to retain heat in a cold, damp climate rather than to stay cool during hot spells. Many older homes, particularly in urban areas, can reach internal temperatures that significantly exceed outdoor readings during a heatwave, creating dangerous conditions for vulnerable residents.
The Irish public also has limited experience of managing extreme heat, having historically lived in a climate where temperatures rarely exceeded 25°C. This lack of experience means that many people are unaware of the risks of heat-related illness and may not take appropriate precautions until they are already experiencing symptoms. The HSE's public health guidance is designed to address this knowledge gap and to provide practical, actionable advice that people can follow to protect themselves and others.
Key Developments
As temperatures across Ireland reached record levels on 25 June, the HSE activated its heatwave response plan and issued a series of public health advisories through its website, social media channels, and media appearances. The guidance focused on three key areas: hydration, sun exposure, and the welfare of vulnerable people.
On hydration, the HSE provided a memorable and practical piece of advice: check the colour of your urine. Dark-coloured urine is a sign of dehydration, and the health service recommended that people aim to drink enough water to keep their urine pale yellow throughout the day. This simple, accessible message was widely shared on social media and received significant coverage in the national media.
On sun exposure, the HSE advised the public to stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when UV radiation is at its most intense, and to avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest part of the day. The health service also reminded people to apply sunscreen regularly and to wear appropriate clothing and headwear when outdoors.
On the welfare of vulnerable people, the HSE urged neighbours, family members, and community groups to check on elderly people living alone, who are at particular risk of heat-related illness. The health service noted that elderly people are less able to regulate their body temperature than younger adults, and that they may not recognise the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke until they are in a serious condition.
Why It Matters
The HSE's heatwave response matters because heat-related illness is a genuine and growing public health risk in Ireland. Research published in recent years has shown that excess mortality during heatwaves — deaths that would not have occurred in normal weather conditions — is a significant and underappreciated problem in Ireland, as it is across Europe. The June 2026 heatwave, with temperatures reaching 32°C in parts of the country, represents one of the most severe tests of the health system's capacity to manage this risk.
The response also matters because it highlights the importance of community-level action in protecting vulnerable people during extreme weather events. The HSE's guidance on checking on elderly neighbours is not just a public health recommendation — it is a reminder that the formal health system cannot reach everyone who needs help during a crisis, and that community solidarity and mutual support are essential components of an effective response.
The heatwave also provides an opportunity to assess the adequacy of Ireland's health infrastructure for managing extreme heat events. The increase in ambulance call-outs and emergency department attendance during the June 2026 heatwave will be analysed by the HSE and the Department of Health to identify gaps in capacity and to inform future planning for similar events.
Local Impact
In Dublin, the heatwave placed particular pressure on ambulance services in the north inner city and the older residential suburbs, where housing density is high and access to cool public spaces is limited. The Dublin Fire Brigade reported a significant increase in call-outs for heat-related illness, and several emergency departments in the city saw higher-than-normal attendance during the peak heat period.
In rural areas, the challenge was different but equally significant. Many rural households, particularly those occupied by elderly people living alone, lack air conditioning and may have limited access to cool public spaces. Community health nurses and social care workers in counties Galway, Mayo, Clare, and Kerry were asked to prioritise welfare checks on vulnerable clients during the heatwave, and several community groups organised informal welfare check systems in their areas.
What's Next
The HSE is expected to publish a review of the health system's response to the June 2026 heatwave in the coming weeks, with particular attention to the adequacy of ambulance capacity, the effectiveness of public health communications, and the welfare of vulnerable people in rural areas. The Department of Health is also expected to commission a broader review of Ireland's preparedness for extreme heat events, with a view to developing a more comprehensive national heatwave response plan that reflects the increasing frequency and intensity of such events.
