Ambulance dispatches and heatwaves in Tasmania, Australia: A case-crossover analysis

Climate change is causing an increase in the frequency and severity of heatwave events, with a corresponding negative impact on human health. Health service utilisation during increased, greater risk poor health outcomes identified for specific population groups. In this study, we examined events ambulance dispatches Tasmania, Australia from 2008 to 2019 explore identify most vulnerable populations at local level. Methods: We used time-stratified case-crossover analysis conditional logistic regression examine association between three levels (extreme, severe, low-intensity). relationship whole study population, by age, gender, socio-economic advantage clinical diagnostic group. Results: found that 34% (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.18–1.52) extreme heatwaves, 10% 1.10, 1.05–1.15) severe heatwaves 4% 1.04, 1.02–1.06) low-intensity heatwaves. significant associations elderly (over 65), young (5 under) regions greatest disadvantage. Conclusion: Heatwaves were associated increased demands services Tasmania. subgroups people aged over 65 or under 5 years those areas higher disadvantage, generally observed effect sizes than as whole.