The effect of heat events on prehospital and retrieval service utilisation in rural and remote areas: a scoping review

Introduction It is well established that heatwaves increase demand for emergency transport in metropolitan areas, however little is known about the impact of heat events on demand for prehospital retrieval services in rural and remote areas, or how heatwaves are defined in this context. Inclusion criteria Papers were eligible for inclusion if they reported on the impact of a heat event on the activity of a prehospital and retrieval service in a rural or remote area. Methods A search of PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, CINAHL and Google Scholar databases was undertaken on 18 August 2020, using search terms related to emergency medical transport, extreme heat and rural or remote. Data relevant to the impact of heat on retrieval service activity was extracted, as well as definitions of extreme heat. Results Two papers were identified, both from Australia. Both found that heat events increased the number of road ambulance call-outs. Both studies used the Excess Heat Factor to define heatwave periods of interest. Conclusions This review found almost no primary literature on demand for prehospital retrieval services in rural and remote areas, and no data specifically related to aeromedical transport. The research did recognise the disproportionate impact of heat-related increase in service demand on rural and regional health services. With the effects of climate change already being felt, there is an urgent need for more research and action in this area.