AI Article Synopsis
- This study explored how heat waves and temperature affect ambulance attendances in Brisbane, Australia, focusing on health outcomes before hospital admission.
- Data from nearly 784,000 ambulance calls between 2000 and 2007 were analyzed alongside meteorological and air quality data to assess temperature effects, particularly during heat waves.
- The findings revealed a significant increase in ambulance attendances—up by 50.6% for a 9.5°C rise in temperature and an additional 18.8% during heat waves—especially among older populations, highlighting the need for improved planning and response strategies for emergency services due to the rising frequency of heat waves.
Article Abstract
Unlabelled: Introduction Heat waves have significant impacts on mortality and morbidity. However, little is known regarding effects on pre-admission health outcomes such as ambulance attendances, particularly in subtropical regions. Problem This study investigated both main temperature effects and the added effects of heat waves on ambulance attendances in Brisbane, a subtropical city in Australia.
Methods: Daily data relating to 783,935 ambulance attendances, along with data on meteorological variables and air pollutants, were collected for the period 2000-2007. Ambient temperature (main) effects were assessed using a distributed lag nonlinear approach that accounted for delayed effects of temperature, while added heat wave effects were incorporated separately using a local heat wave definition. Effect estimates were obtained for total, cardiovascular and respiratory attendances, and different age groups.
Results: Main effects of temperature were found for total attendances, which increased by 50.6% (95% CI, 32.3%-71.4%) for a 9.5°C increase above a reference temperature of 29°C. An added heat wave effect on total attendances was observed (18.8%; 95% CI, 6.5%-32.5%). Significant effects were found for both respiratory and cardiovascular attendances, particularly for those aged 65 and above.
Conclusion: Ambulance attendances can be significantly impacted by sustained periods of high temperatures, and are a valid source of early detection of the effects of extreme temperatures on the population. The planning of ambulance services may need to be adapted as a consequence of increasing numbers of heat waves in the future. Ambulance attendance data also should be utilized in the development of heat warning systems and climate change adaptation strategies.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X13008789 | DOI Listing |
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