Extreme weather on both sides of the spectrum, too hot and too cold, is a threat to public health. A new study illuminates how extreme temperatures in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are already responsible for a large number of emergency visits, and the trend could get worse.
What is going on?
A study led by the Australian National University (ANU), published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, found that from 2000 to 2021, around one in 15 emergency room visits (6.54%) in the ACT were associated with extreme temperatures.
The researchers project that the raw numbers of weather-related visits are expected to increase further in the period 2040-2061. They synthesized their findings in a press release and sounded the alarm for at-risk groups facing more extreme temperatures.
The ACT and its largest population centre, Canberra, is a suitable place to study. The region is known for hot summers and cool winters. From 2000-2021, winter was the largest source of emergency department trips.
The researchers project that they will reverse in the future, with the largest increase in visits accounted for by extreme heat. They offered a forecast of up to 90,000 heat-related visits between 2040 and 2061, up from 36,000 between 2000 and 2021.
Although the share of cold-related visits may decrease as winters warm, they are still expected to account for more than 81,000 visits in the same period. This is up from just under 58,000 visits in the 2000-2021 time period.
The research has shed light on how rising temperatures pose a major threat to public health and strain hospitals.
“This study shows that even a small increase in local temperature can make people sick, and this intensifies the pressure on our hospitals,” said ANU researcher and professor Hilary Bambrick.
Why is the weather’s contribution to emergency visits important?
Extreme heat can worsen health conditions such as asthma and dehydration, and research also links rising temperatures to increased rates of suicide and drug use, according to the Yale School of Medicine. Meanwhile, cold snaps can increase the risk of heart conditions.
Researchers have identified groups at risk in the various challenging conditions. Teenagers and children were vulnerable to same-day visits during very hot days. The elderly faced the greatest risk when facing extreme cold. Adults of all ages saw an increase in emergency trips on days with moderate and severe heat.
These visits increase the demand on health systems, which can be overstretched on the hottest or coldest days.
What is being done about public health during extreme weather?
Researchers have outlined a number of steps ACT residents should take during heatwaves. They advised them to stay hydrated, plan outdoor activities for cooler times of the day, dress appropriately, and stay in cooler environments while specifically avoiding heat traps like hot cars.
They also encouraged residents to watch for symptoms and reach out to others, including at-risk family members and neighbors, to see how they are doing during heat events.
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