Experts on the health impacts of heat and heatwaves came together in Canberra today to examine solutions to the “wicked” problem of climate change and the devastating health-related impacts of increasing temperatures.
The Australian Medical Association brought together experts for its Rising temperatures, rising risks roundtable, to identify gaps in both health service delivery and public awareness that hinder effective responses to heat emergencies.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the effects of heat on Australia’s health system are real, present, and worsening — including increased patient deaths, over-stretched emergency departments, and impacts on other services, including ambulance and mental health services.
“We heard today from representatives from general practice, cardiology and emergency medicine — and they had devastating stories to tell of patient deaths directly caused by high temperatures,” Dr McMullen said.
“We also saw some great examples of tools and services being provided, including by general practices which are helping to inform and educate patients about the health risks of high temperatures and heatwaves. But we also heard about gaps in public education, infrastructure, and services, and the impacts of these gaps.
“Health equity and access was discussed, with some in the community more severely impacted because of their socio-economic circumstances. Our most vulnerable are the most at risk of heat-related harm.”
Dr McMullen said people of all ages could be seriously affected by heat-related conditions; “from the young, fit tradie whose boots melt on a hot roof; to pregnant women and the elderly; and health workers themselves, who might be out on the road treating patients”.
“Experts at the roundtable identified a need for improved education and awareness campaigns on the harms of heat and heatwaves for both doctors and patients, with attendees identifying the need for consistent and impactful language.
“We also heard about the critical need for improved social infrastructure, including better thermoregulation of our homes, cooled spaces where people feel safe, and the need to change attitudes to working hours for those who are currently working in extreme heat. Anyone, regardless of how fit and young they are, who works outside in the heat is vulnerable and these workers must be protected.”
Dr McMullen said the impacts of rising temperatures on First Nations peoples were also identified, together with the need to involve First Nations peoples in developing solutions.
“Our First Nations peoples have been custodians of this land for generations, and their involvement in the development of solutions is essential,” Dr McMullen said.
Critically, attendees heard about the evidence of the direct impact increasing temperatures has on mental health, with increasing numbers of young people ending up in hospital emergency rooms during heatwaves.
The AMA will gather and analyse insights from the roundtable to inform its policy and advocacy, with a specific focus on safeguarding those who already face health disparities because of socio-economic circumstances.
