Evaluating the effects of heat vulnerability on heat-related emergency medical service incidents: Lessons from Austin, Texas
评估热脆弱性对热相关紧急医疗服务事件的影响:来自德克萨斯州奥斯汀的经验教训
【摘要】
Extreme heat exposure and sensitivity have been a growing concern in urban regions as the effects of extreme heat pose a threat to public health, the water supply, and the infrastructure. Heat-related illnesses demand an immediate Emergency Medical Service (EMS) response since they might result in death or serious disability if not treated quickly. Despite increased concerns about urban heat waves and relevant health issues, a limited amount of research has investigated the effects of heat vulnerability on heat-related illnesses. This study explores the geographical distribution of heat vulnerability in the city of Austin and Travis County areas of Texas and identifies neighborhoods with a high degree of heat vulnerability and restricted EMS accessibility. We conducted negative binomial regressions to investigate the effects of heat vulnerability on heat-related EMS incidents. Heat-related EMS calls have increased in neighborhoods with more impervious surfaces, Hispanics, those receiving social benefits, people living alone, and the elderly. Higher urban capacity, including efficient road networks, water areas, and green spaces, is likely to reduce heat-related EMS incidents. This study provides data-driven evidence to help planners prioritize vulnerable locations and concentrate local efforts on addressing heat-related health concerns.
【摘要翻译】
由于极端高温的影响对公共卫生、供水和基础设施构成威胁，城市地区对极端高温的暴露和敏感性日益受到关注。与热有关的疾病需要紧急医疗服务(EMS)立即响应，因为如果不迅速治疗，它们可能导致死亡或严重残疾。尽管人们越来越关注城市热浪和相关的健康问题，但有限的研究调查了热脆弱性对热相关疾病的影响。本研究探讨了德克萨斯州奥斯汀市和特拉维斯县地区热脆弱性的地理分布，并确定了具有高度热脆弱性和有限的EMS可达性的社区。我们采用负二项回归来研究热脆弱性对热相关EMS事件的影响。在不透水的社区、西班牙裔、领取社会福利的人、独居者和老年人中，与高温有关的急救电话有所增加。更高的城市容量，包括高效的道路网络、水域和绿地，可能会减少与热有关的EMS事件。这项研究提供了数据驱动的证据，以帮助规划者优先考虑易受伤害的地点，并集中当地努力解决与热有关的健康问题。
【doi】
https://doi.org/10.1177/23998083221129618
【作者信息】
Kijin Seong，德克萨斯大学奥斯汀分校建筑学院的博士后研究员。她的研究重点是气候适应能力、灾害恢复能力、减灾和气候变化适应以及环境公平的智慧城市框架。