Key Points

• The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region experienced two heat waves, the first in mid-August and the second in early September 2023. During these heat waves, biometeorological alert thresholds were exceeded in 10 of the 12 departments. A moderate impact on health was observed during these periods:

  • 162 SOS Médecins calls were recorded for the iCanicule indicator, and 537 emergency room visits were recorded for the iCanicule indicator, 353 of which resulted in hospitalization. Emergency care visits accounted for up to 2.2% of daily SOS Médecins calls and 1.5% of daily emergency room visits. A greater impact on healthcare utilization was observed during the August 2023 heatwave.

  • Across the two heatwave periods that particularly affected the region, 12% of observed deaths are estimated to be attributable to the heat, with more than three-quarters involving people aged 75 and older.

• Link to the infographic