Lazios emergency wards are on red alert this summer, and paramedics, doctors, and CPR specialists have all been put on reduced leave. The measures are justified on two fronts, say the authorities: first to cope with a potential terrorist strike and second to treat any sick, disabled or elderly people facing extra problems during the summer heat wave. President of Lazio region, Piero Marrazzo, has called on directors of hospitals, health centres, and university clinics to ensure there are no treatment shortfalls. many hospitals have asked staff to take no more than 15 days leave. Lazio currently has over 2,500 beds for possible victims of terrorism, including over 450 intensive care beds. And to deal with heat wave patients, the region has over 5,250 beds in cardiology, geriatrics, short stay, and general medical wards.