1. No category

A comparison of heatwave
response plans from Australia,
Canada, the UK, and the USA
Benjamin Okwuofu-Thomas
Department of Environment and Geography
Outline
 Background:
 Heatwave mortality impacts in
aged care facilities (ACFs)
 Aim
 Methods
 Results
 Conclusions
Background
 Heatwaves result in significant
excess mortality, particularly
amongst the elderly in ACFs, and
pose formidable health care
challenges. Garssen et al. (2005); Stafoggia et al. (2006)
 In Germany for example, in August
2003, over 400 excess heatwave
mortalities were recorded in
residents of ACFs. Klenk et al. (2010)
Background
Studies on heatwaves ACF’s mortality
Titles
The effects of the summer 2003 heat wave on mortality in the Netherlands.
Countries of
studies
References
The
Netherlands.
Garssen et
al. (2005).
Were less disabled patients the most affected by 2003 heat wave in nursing France.
homes in Paris, France?
Holstein et
al. (2005).
A retrospective study on heat-related mortality in an elderly population
during the 2003 heat wave in Modena, Italy: Argento Project.
Italy.
Foroni et al.
(2007).
Heat-related and cold-related deaths in England and Wales: Who is at risk?
Heat-related mortality in residents of nursing homes.
England and
Wales.
Germany.
Heat-related illnesses during the 2003 heatwave in an emergency service.
France.
High ambient temperature associated with increased mortality in nursing
home residents.
Germany.
Hajat et al.
(2007).
Klenk et al.
(2010).
Oberlin et al.
(2010).
Levy C.
(2010).
Background
 Climate change results in increases in
heatwave frequency, duration, spatial
extent and intensity, making heatwave
impacts on human health an increasing
risk into the future. IPCC, AR5, WGI, SPM (2013)
 Heatwave response plans are
government documents detailing
preparation for and response to
heatwaves, and are a key adaptation
measure. Victorian Government (2010)
Aim
 This presentation examines 23
heatwave response plans with
particular focus on specific
responses aimed at residents of
aged care facilities.
Methods
 Heatwave response plans were sourced via
the internet and direct from the national,
state/ provincial, and municipal health
departments.





A total of 23 heatwave response plans dated from December
2004- January 2013 were obtained.
15 heatwave response plans from Australia.
3 heatwave response plans from Canada.
3 heatwave response plans from the UK.
2 heatwave response plans from the USA.
 All countries are developed and high income
nations; and experiencing demographic
transition of the ageing populations.
Methods
 This presentation focusses on three aspects of
the analysis:



Heat stress prevention strategies;
Inclusion of Aged Care Facilities;
Heatwave response communication.
Results
Frequency of heat stress prevention strategies
from the 23 heatwave response plans.
Results
14
12
10
Know symptoms of heat
Drinking water
8
Power, water/cooling areas
Stay out of the sun
6
Minimise physical activities
Contact with
families/others
Light clothing for heat
4
Indoor temp at 26°
2
Air-condition at malls
Fruit/vegetables
0
Australia
Queensland
South Australia
Western Australia
Victoria
Baw Baw
Central Goldfields
Darebin
East Gippsland
Gannawarra
Ready resource
Shepparton
Wangaratta
Warrnambool
Yarriambiack
Canada
Toronto
Vancouver
England
Vulnerable people
Wales
Arizona
Dayton & Montgomery
Number and
type of heat
stress
preventions
strategies in
each of the
heatwave
response plans.
Cold bath or body wash
No fans on humidity
Rest breaks
Results
 Only three of the 23 plans included specific
heatwave response guidance for ACFs. These
were:
 Victoria’s Residential Aged Care Services Heatwave
Ready Resource;
 Canada’s Extreme Heat Events Guidelines: Technical
Guide For Health Care Workers; and
 UK’s Supporting Vulnerable People Before and During
A Heatwave: Advice for Care Home Managers and
Staff.
Results
Frequency of communication strategies in
the 23 heatwave response plans.
Conclusions
 Inconsistency in plans and projected increases in
severity and frequency of heatwaves in coming
decades underline the need for governments to
implement effective guidelines that include specific
provisions for ACF.
 Okwuofu-Thomas B, et al. (2014 submitted) A
comparison of heatwave response plans from
Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA: An aged
care facility perspective. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public
Health
References
•
•
•
•
•
Garssen et al. (2005). The effects of the summer 2003
heat wave on mortality in the Netherlands.
Eurosurveillance 10: 165-167.
Klenk et al. (2010). Heat-related mortality in residents
of nursing homes. Aged and Ageing 39: 245-252.
S t a f o g g i a e t a l . ( 2 0 0 6 ) . Vu l n e r a b i l i t y t o h e a t - r e l a t e d
m o r t a l i t y : A m u l t i c i t y, p o p u l a t i o n - b a s e d c a s e - c r o s s o v e r
analysis. Epidemiology 17: 315-323.
Victorian Government Department of Health.
Residential Aged Care Services Heatwave Ready
Resource; Aged Care Branch, Victorian Government
Department of Health: Melbourne, Australia, 2010.
I P C C . A R 5 , WGI, SPM (2013).