Hypothermia as an Urban Public-Health Risk: A Case Study of Lublin, Poland

Hypothermia remains an important yet under-recognised public health hazard in temperate climate cities. This study analyses the incidence and meteorological background of hypothermia in Lublin, the largest city in eastern Poland, and evaluates the usefulness of the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) in identifying periods of increased cold-related risk. We examined 372 Emergency Medical Service call-outs classified as hypothermia during 2022–2023. Meteorological data were obtained from the Hydrology and Climatology Observatory of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin. Lublin’s Municipal Crisis Management Plan (MPZK 2023) was reviewed to interpret results in relation to operational thresholds. A total of 185 (2022) and 187 (2023) incidents were recorded, with men accounting for 72% of all cases. Call-outs peaked between November and January and during morning hours (06:00–12:00). The frequency of interventions increased with lower air temperature, higher relative humidity and moderate wind speed (2–4 m · s⁻¹). Most cases occurred under UTCI categories indicating moderate or strong cold stress (SCS), confirming the index’s potential as an early warning tool. Despite ongoing climate warming, hypothermia continues to threaten vulnerable groups – particularly homeless individuals, older adults and persons with substance use disorders. Integrating UTCI-based alerts into municipal emergency management procedures and targeted support programs could help reduce cold-related morbidity in urban environments.