
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Williams, Susan 
A1  - Nitschke, Monika 
A1  - Tucker, Graeme 
A1  - Bi, Peng 
T1  - Extreme Heat Arrangements in South Australia: an assessment of trigger temperatures
JF  - Health Promotion Journal of Australia
JO  - Health Promot J Aust
Y1  - 2011
VL  - 22
IS  - 4
SP  - 21
EP  - 27
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/HE11421 
N2  - 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. Key words: extreme heat, heat-related health promotion, heat action plans. 
ER  -

