 | Monday, 6 April 2009
HEATWAVE REPORT: IMPACT ON THE HEALTH OF VICTORIANS
The heatwave in January had a significant impact on the health of Victorians, especially the frail elderly, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr John Carnie says.
Dr Carnie today released a heatwave report – compiled through an analysis of Ambulance Victoria assessments, GP locum attendances, hospital emergency department attendances, reportable deaths to the State Coroner and death registrations collated by the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
“The health impact of the heatwave was measured by comparing data during the week of the heatwave from 26 January to 1 February 2009 with the same period in previous years,” Dr Carnie said.
“The January heatwave in Victoria was of unprecedented intensity with maximum temperatures 12 to 15 degrees Celsius above normal for much of Victoria. There were three consecutive days of temperatures above 43 degrees and high overnight minimum temperatures.
“The increase in deaths during the week of the heatwave has been calculated at around 374.
“However, it is not possible to say how many of the people who died may have died in the days or weeks after the period following 26 January to 1 February if there was no heatwave – that is, if their deaths were brought forward by a short period.
“Nor is it possible to say in how many cases the death was totally unexpected and due principally to the effects of the heatwave.
“Evidence has shown that increases in deaths amongst elderly populations occur when extremely hot days are accompanied by high overnight temperatures.
“Elderly people are more prone to heat stress than younger people because their body may not adjust well to temperature change. They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition and to be taking medication that may interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
“For the frail elderly, many would have had a variety of pre-existing medical conditions such as cancer, heart and lung disease, stroke and dementia. In such patients, any additional stress such as viral gastroenteritis, influenza or a heatwave, may be sufficient to cause death.
“In the lead-up to the forecast extreme heat period in January this year there were repeated warnings issued to Victorians about the measures they should take to protect themselves from the heatwave.
“The messages were directed to all community members, but in particular communities and carers were urged to check on older, sick and frail people who may have needed help coping with the heat.
“Our task now is to ensure that all agencies responsible for looking after the frail elderly, especially those who live alone, are aware of the impact of the January heatwave.
“This will enable agencies to work with the elderly to place measures to reduce their physical activity, keep cool and well hydrated,” Dr Carnie said.
The Victorian Heatwave Health Impact Assessment will be available on the Chief Health Officer’s website, www.health.vic.gov.au/chiefhealthofficer or www.health.vic.gov.au
Media inquiries:
Graeme Walker, Human Services Media Unit, 9096 7296 or 0409 237 543
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