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Extreme Heat Arrangements in South Australia: an assessment of trigger temperatures
Author(s) -
Williams Susan,
Nitschke Monika,
Tucker Graeme,
Bi Peng
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1071/he11421
Subject(s) - extreme heat , public health , extreme weather , health economics , medicine , heat wave , population health , warning system , environmental health , climate change , population , engineering , telecommunications , ecology , nursing , biology
Issue Addressed The high mortality and morbidity associated with the 2009 heat wave across South Eastern Australia highlighted the need for effective heat‐related health promotion and preventive strategies. The adverse health effects of extreme heat are largely preventable, and heat‐related health promotion can advise the public about the dangers of hot weather and how to reduce health risks. The South Australian State Emergency Service has outlined a co‐ordinated response system in their Extreme Heat Arrangements for South Australia. This paper evaluates the health impacts at the temperature trigger levels incorporated in this plan. Methods Heat events in Adelaide between 1994 and 2009 were compared in terms of heat duration, heat intensity and their impact on mortality and ambulance call‐outs. The health impacts for events meeting specific temperature triggers were estimated. Results Individual heat events varied in terms of estimated excess mortality and ambulance call‐outs. Increased mortality was associated with heat events of 3 or more consecutive days with maximum temperature (Tmax) 43°C or average daily temperature (ADT) 34°C, while ambulance call‐outs increased significantly at lower Tmax levels. The two events reaching the temperature triggers for an extreme heat warning were associated with a 44% (95% CI 26–63%) increase in mortality. Conclusions The results support the temperature trigger for an extreme heat warning within the Extreme Heat Arrangements for Adelaide, and indicate a limited health impact at lower temperature triggers. So what? Identifying local weather conditions that pose a significant risk to public health in Adelaide will ensure that heat alerts and heat‐related health advice are timely and appropriate to risk. These findings will also contribute to education and public policy development in relation to health and safety during extreme heat in Adelaide.