Researchers from the University of Arizona and other institutions published a study on the trends and disparities associated with heat-related illnesses. They looked into the increase of emergency calls associated with this health concern.
The team looked at these activations from 2019 to 2024 and examined them through heat-related and non-heat-related categories.
Researchers found that calls for heat-related matters increased faster than those for non-heat-related ones in specific subgroups like people of certain ages or specific geographic regions, including Arizona.
Chris Lim is an assistant professor in UA ‘s public health college.
“So we saw faster increases in heat-related EMS calls versus non-related in people living in low-income neighborhoods. We also saw faster increases in middle-aged groups, 35 to 54, and also 55 to 64-year-olds," Lim said.
Lim says the findings of the study can be used to develop policies and protections to those populations vulnerable to the heat.
“So we know that with increasing temperatures, heat-related EMS calls will increase. So preparing ahead will also be helpful in making the health care system more resilient as well," he said.
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