Key Points

• The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region was affected by the first three heat waves, observed in July and August 2023. Exceedances of biometeorological alert thresholds were observed in all departments during these heat waves. A significant impact on health was noted during these periods:

  • 210 SOS Médecins calls were recorded regionally for the iCanicule indicator, along with 774 emergency room visits for the iCanicule indicator, 470 of which resulted in hospitalization. Emergency care visits accounted for up to 2.3% of daily SOS Médecins calls and 0.9% of daily emergency room visits. All age groups were affected; those aged 75 and older accounted for the highest proportion of emergency room visits and hospitalizations, while those under 15 accounted for the highest proportion of SOS Médecins consultations.

  • Across all heatwave periods affecting the region, 10% of observed deaths were attributed to the heat, with nearly three-quarters of these involving people aged 75 and older.

• Link to the infographic