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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 2/2014

Open Access 01-04-2014 | Research

The impact of heatwaves on emergency department visits in Brisbane, Australia: a time series study

Authors: Ghasem Sam Toloo, Weiwei Yu, Peter Aitken, Gerry FitzGerald, Shilu Tong

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 2/2014

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Abstract

Introduction

The acute health effects of heatwaves in a subtropical climate and their impact on emergency departments (ED) are not well known. The purpose of this study is to examine overt heat-related presentations to EDs associated with heatwaves in Brisbane.

Methods

Data were obtained for the summer seasons (December to February) from 2000–2012. Heatwave events were defined as two or more successive days with daily maximum temperature ≥34°C (HWD1) or ≥37°C (HWD2). Poisson generalised additive model was used to assess the effect of heatwaves on heat-related visits (International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 codes T67 and X30; ICD 9 codes 992 and E900.0).

Results

Overall, 628 cases presented for heat-related illnesses. The presentations significantly increased on heatwave days based on HWD1 (relative risk (RR) = 4.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8, 6.3) and HWD2 (RR = 18.5, 95% CI: 12.0, 28.4). The RRs in different age groups ranged between 3–9.2 (HWD1) and 7.5–37.5 (HWD2). High acuity visits significantly increased based on HWD1 (RR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.3, 9.6) and HWD2 (RR = 81.7, 95% CI: 21.5, 310.0). Average length of stay in ED significantly increased by >1 hour (HWD1) and >2 hours (HWD2).

Conclusions

Heatwaves significantly increase ED visits and workload even in a subtropical climate. The degree of impact is directly related to the extent of temperature increases and varies by socio-demographic characteristics of the patients. Heatwave action plans should be tailored according to the population needs and level of vulnerability. EDs should have plans to increase their surge capacity during heatwaves.
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Metadata
Title
The impact of heatwaves on emergency department visits in Brisbane, Australia: a time series study
Authors
Ghasem Sam Toloo
Weiwei Yu
Peter Aitken
Gerry FitzGerald
Shilu Tong
Publication date
01-04-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 2/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc13826

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