Temporal and spatial variation of heat-related illness using 911 medical dispatch data.
BACKGROUND
The adverse effect of hot weather on health in urban communities is of increasing public health concern, particularly given trends in climate change.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the potential public health applications of monitoring 911 medical dispatch data for heat-related illness (HRI), using historical data for the summer periods (June 1-August 31) during 2002-2005 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.


METHODS
The temporal distribution of the medical dispatch calls was described in relation to a current early warning system and emergency department data from the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (NACRS). Geospatial methods were used to map the percentage of heat-related calls in each Toronto neighborhood over the study period.


RESULTS
The temporal pattern of 911 calls for HRI was similar, and sometimes peaked earlier, than current heat health warning systems (HHWS). The pattern of calls was similar to NACRS HRI visits, with the exception of 2005 where 911 calls peaked earlier. Areas of the city with a relatively higher burden of HRI included low income inner-city neighborhoods, areas with high rates of street-involved individuals, and areas along the waterfront which include summer outdoor recreational activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Identifying the temporal trends and geospatial patterns of these important environmental health events has the potential to direct targeted public health interventions to mitigate associated morbidity and mortality.
Bassil
Kate L
KL
Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6. kate_bassil@sfu.ca
Cole
Donald C
DC
Moineddin
Rahim
R
Craig
Alan M
AM
Lou
W Y Wendy
WY
Schwartz
Brian
B
Rea
Elizabeth
E
D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems; D018882:Heat Stress Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D014504:Urban Health