Paris Requests Emergency Ice Supplies as Heatwave Paralyzes France

As record-breaking temperatures hit France, Parisian authorities have requested ice supplies from retail chains to assist emergency responders in treating victims suffering from life-threatening heatstroke.

Ice Supplies for Emergency Response

Ice cubes are currently being utilized by paramedics and firefighters to provide immediate cooling for heatstroke victims. Alexandre Bompard, CEO of the Carrefour retail chain, confirmed that the company has responded to a city appeal, delivering four tons of ice to the Paris fire brigade to ensure adequate supplies for several days.

Treating a single patient suffering from hyperthermia requires between 40 and 65 kilograms of ice. Carrefour stated that this contribution is intended to assist the most vulnerable during the current period of extreme heat.

Public Safety Measures and Event Cancellations

The Paris prefecture has implemented a ban on the public consumption of alcohol, excluding authorized cafes and restaurants, from Friday noon until Saturday morning. Authorities have warned that further public events may be cancelled, with the “We Run” race already called off.

Concerns remain high regarding the strain on capital hospitals, which have admitted numerous elderly patients in recent days. Officials are currently evaluating whether to proceed with the planned Saturday equality march.

Record Temperatures and Crisis Management

France experienced its hottest day on record for the second consecutive time on Wednesday, with the average minimum temperature overnight into Thursday reaching 22 degrees Celsius. While a gradual cooling trend is emerging from the west, two-thirds of the country remains in a high-temperature zone.

As of Friday, 61 departments are under a red weather alert, while Atlantic coastal regions remain under an orange alert. The government is meeting for a crisis session as the death toll from drownings has reached 55 since the start of the heatwave.