Sizzling at 45 Degrees... Uniformed Officers Struggling on the Road

[Anchor]

Even amid the scorching heat waves, there are people standing guard in the field for the safety of citizens.

From traffic police officers on the blistering roads to emergency medical technicians responding to heat-related illnesses, reporter Im Jihyeon shadowed those who are fighting the heat with all their might.

[Reporter]

An intersection in Seoul under a heat wave advisory.

Police officers continuously direct traffic with hand signals and flag down vehicles that have violated regulations one by one.

[The fine is 20,000 won with no penalty points. Please drive safely.]

While commuters wait for signals in the shade, police officers have no choice but to stand close to the road even when shade is right next to them, as they must respond quickly to road conditions.

Shining a thermal imaging camera onto the road reveals that the surface temperature of the asphalt soared to 45°C (113°F) even in the morning.

Although the heat wave has subsided somewhat compared to last week, the heat emitted by vehicles adds to it.

[Hyeon Jong-min / Traffic Safety Division, Dongdaemun Police Station: Because of the heat rising from the ground, it is so hot that I sometimes have to change my clothes once or twice a day...]

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As the disaster-like heat wave continues, 119 emergency rescue workers have also become busier.

With reports of heat-related illnesses pouring in, this fire station responds to emergency calls up to 15 times a day.

Constantly refilling ice boxes containing saline solution and ice water has become a daily routine these days.

[Hwang Sa-yeon / Yangcheon Fire Station: A report came in that someone collapsed while playing soccer, suddenly foaming at the mouth and having convulsions all over their body. When we measured the body temperature, it was 40°C (104°F).]

The only thing that can cool down the rescue workers is this vest containing four ice packs.

When dispatched, they even have to carry this stretcher, which is somewhat heavy for an adult male to lift.

Simply because they wear uniforms, these individuals cannot escape the heat wave like others do, and they are protecting the safety of citizens today by fighting the heat with their entire bodies.

(Photo: Im Woo-shik | Video Editing: Kim Jun-hee)

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