Air conditioning systems broke down in dozens of Hungarian ambulances during the first major heatwave of the year, placing additional strain on emergency crews and patients alike.

OMSZ says repairs are underway as temperatures soar above 30°C

The National Ambulance Service (Országos Mentőszolgálat, OMSZ) confirmed that 32 ambulance vehicles developed faults in recent days as temperatures climbed above 30°C across Hungary. The organisation said repairs had already begun urgently “for the sake of both patients and the staff”.

The announcement came a day after the Hungarian Ambulance Workers’ Association reported receiving repeated complaints about ambulances without functioning air conditioning. According to the union, both patient compartments and drivers’ cabins became unbearably hot during emergency shifts.

Ageing car fleet under pressure

OMSZ currently operates 783 active cars nationwide, while the total fleet consists of 1,071 vehicles. Around 288 vehicles are classified as reserve units, although the number of operational backup ambulances changes daily depending on maintenance work and breakdowns, reports Index.

The service also released figures showing the age and mileage of the fleet. Even after including the 101 newest vehicles purchased recently, their average age has reached eight years. Ambulances typically travel around 50,000 kilometres annually, with average mileage now standing at approximately 370,000 kilometres per vehicle.

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Strangely frank statement by the National Ambulance Service

The unusually frank statement from OMSZ drew attention because the organisation rarely publishes detailed information about technical problems affecting the fleet.

Hungary experienced exceptionally hot weather over the Pentecost weekend, with a new Budapest heat record set on Monday when temperatures reached 32.2°C at the Újpest weather station. A cold front is expected to bring relief later this week, although meteorologists have also warned of severe thunderstorms, hail and strong winds across much of the country.

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