August 10, 2023
Following a stretch of heat waves and broader climate trends, the federal government this week launched a new tool to track heat-related illnesses and response from emergency medical services (EMS) in the U.S.
The new mapping tool—called the Heat-Related Illness EMS Activation Surveillance Dashboard—is the first of its kind and aims to help support the response to heat waves, federal officials said.
“Heat is the most lethal of all types of extreme weather and heat exposure is worsening with increasing global warming,” said Dr. John Balbus, acting director of the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity. “But existing data on heat-related deaths don’t shed light on where people actually fall ill. This new dashboard makes it possible to see where the needs are greatest, plan for the future, and save lives.”
Here’s what you need to know about the new EMS HeatTracker:
The new mapping tool is available to review online.
For more information about responding to heat-related emergencies, contact HAP’s Emergency Management team.
Tags: Public Health | Emergency Preparedness
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