The present study classified the types of vulnerability to heat wave by region, using the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis(fs/QCA) method, and identified the conditions necessary for the incidence of patients with heat wave-related symptoms. Exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability were used as the criteria for establishing the type of vulnerability to heat wave. The analysis conducted showed that regions with high exposure to heat wave maintained this level of exposure over time, while sensitivity to heat wave increased over time. These findings mean that a policy of adaptation is required for each region in response to the social risk caused by heat waves. The condition necessary, on a regional basis, for the incidence of patients with heat wave-related symptoms was found to be a large elderly population. The results of the analysis conducted suggest that active local policies are needed to reduce the number of patients with heat wave-related symptoms in an increasingly aging society.

[Key Words] Heat wave vulnerability type, Heat wave patient, fs/QCA