Seasonal house call · Summer
Heatstroke Summer Berlin
Heatstroke Summer Berlin is a seasonal health occasion for which RAB Arztbesuche provides a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
Berlin has seen recurring heatwaves with temperatures above 35 °C — inner-city values often higher. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are not the same: heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. If heatstroke is suspected, call 112 immediately. For all other heat-related complaints we visit daily 6 am – midnight.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Berlin heatwaves — know the risk groups
Berlin is particularly affected by the urban heat-island effect. Asphalt and concrete give off heat well into the night — tropical nights are increasing. Particularly at risk: older people, chronically ill patients (heart failure, renal failure, diabetes), pregnant women, infants, patients on diuretics, beta-blockers and psychotropics. Active people running in Tiergarten, swimming at Wannsee or training for the Berlin Half-Marathon can slip into heat exhaustion within hours.
The clinical distinction matters: heat exhaustion means sweating, weakness, nausea, circulatory problems with mostly preserved consciousness and body temperature below 40 °C. Heatstroke is life-threatening with central nervous symptoms, dry hot skin and temperature above 40 °C. If heatstroke is suspected, always call 112 — the patient needs active cooling as fast as possible.
Heat exhaustion — where the house call helps
For moderate symptoms with vomiting, circulatory weakness, cramps, marked dizziness or dehydration we examine on site, measure vital signs and body temperature, place an IV when needed and infuse crystalloid solution. We decide whether hospital admission is required or whether outpatient care with clear safety rules is enough.
Life-threatening heatstroke — call 112
For altered consciousness, seizure, very high body temperature, dry hot skin, shortness of breath or chest pain, call 112 immediately and start cooling: wet towels, fan, elevate legs, sips of water only if fully awake. Our service complements the emergency service — it cannot replace it.
How the house call works for heat-related illness
You call, we first clarify by phone whether this is an emergency (112) or heat exhaustion that a house call can manage. If there are emergency signs we stay on the line until the ambulance arrives.
On site: vital signs, body temperature, hydration status, blood glucose and ECG if needed. Treatment: cooling, fluids (oral or IV), adjustment of long-term medication (diuretics, antihypertensives — temporary pausing is often sensible). Sick leave and a GOÄ invoice are standard.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Case profiles
Typical scenarios
Elderly patient at home
85 years old, on antihypertensives, third consecutive hot day. The daughter finds her mother confused and weak. We check vitals, infuse if needed, adjust medication and coordinate admission if necessary.
Runner after a Tiergarten run
A young patient with severe heat exhaustion after half-marathon training. We treat, cool, advise on hydration and check kidney function if needed.
Hotel guest with collapse
Tourists from cooler countries underestimate the Berlin midday heat. We come to the hotel room, stabilise, advise and issue the GOÄ invoice for insurance reimbursement.
Pregnant patient with dizziness
Circulatory regulation and heat tolerance change in pregnancy. We examine on site, coordinate with gynaecology if needed and decide on next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Is heatstroke always an emergency?
Yes. Heatstroke with core temperature above 40 °C and altered consciousness is life-threatening — call 112 immediately. Heat exhaustion without CNS symptoms can often be managed at home.
How much should I drink in hot weather?
Rule of thumb: 2 to 3 litres spread across the day, more with physical activity. In heart or renal failure, follow the daily volume agreed with your treating physician — overhydration is also dangerous.
Which medications worsen heat tolerance?
Diuretics, ACE inhibitors/sartans, beta-blockers, anticholinergics, many psychotropics and lithium. During a heatwave we review medication carefully — never stop on your own.
Can heatstroke be cooled at home?
As a first measure until the ambulance arrives, yes: wet towels, fan, cool water on forehead, neck, armpits and groin. An ice-water bath only with trained staff — risk of circulatory collapse.