The SEM attends to 153 people for the solar eclipse: 12 ambulances and one critical in Catalonia

The Medical Emergency System (SEM) has attended to 153 people for incidents related to the solar eclipse in Catalonia. Of these, 12 required assistance by ambulance, and 7 were transferred to hospitals, including one critical case with trauma.

Once again, a natural phenomenon causes considerable healthcare mobilization and a flood of emergency calls. But what exactly happens when a solar eclipse affects the health of citizens? Here we explain all the details.

Geographical distribution and types of incidents

Which areas of Catalonia have been the most affected?

The 153 incidents have been distributed as follows according to health regions: North Metropolitan Barcelona leads with 34 cases, followed by Camp de Tarragona with 30 and Girona with 20. Alt Pirineu and Aran have not recorded any incidents. This distribution clearly shows that urban and more populated areas suffer a greater impact.

What types of conditions have been detected?

Among all attendances, 72 were for ophthalmological problems, approximately 47%. Cases ranged from mild discomfort to severe situations requiring hospitalization, highlighting the fragility of eyes when exposed to a solar eclipse without proper protection.

Attention and SEM response during the eclipse

How has SEM managed the incidents during the eclipse?

SEM has combined telephone attendances (146 cases) and ambulance dispatches (12 cases), of which 7 ended in hospital transfers. This mixed response has been key to not saturate emergency services and prioritize the most serious cases.

What severity have the attended cases had?

Of the 7 hospital transfers, one patient is in critical condition with trauma, another in serious condition, three in less serious condition, and two in mild condition. These data show that although most affected suffered mild discomfort, there have been cases that required urgent and specialized care.

Impact on health services and observed trends

How has the eclipse affected ophthalmological emergency services?

In the two days coinciding with the eclipse, 450 ophthalmological emergencies were recorded, with 239 hospital visits and 165 at CAPs. This represents between 2% and 3% of the total emergency activity, a modest but significant figure considering the temporal concentration and nature of the episode.

Why is this data relevant for citizens?

The increase in ophthalmological consultations during the eclipse shows us the importance of prevention and the correct use of visual protection. Furthermore, it evidences how a natural phenomenon can alert health services and generate a punctual demand that must be managed efficiently.

Article source: Redacció / Catalan News Agency