Okwuofu-Thomas Benjamin, Beggs Paul J, MacKenzie Ross J
J Environ Health. 2017 Apr;79(8):28-37.
Heat waves result in significant excess mortality, particularly amongst elderly people. This article examines selected heat wave response plans at national, state/provincial, and municipal levels, with a particular focus on specific responses aimed at residents of aged care facilities. We sourced heat wave response plans from several countries that are experiencing a demographic transition that features a growing aging population. We collected a total of 23 heat wave response plans; most of those plans were from Australia, with only three plans each available from Canada and the UK, and only two available from the U.S. Key components found across the plans were analysis of temperature thresholds, heat stress prevention measures, and communication strategies. Only three heat wave response plans that were analyzed included specific guidance for aged care facilities. Projected increases in frequency and duration of heat waves in coming decades underline the need for governments to implement effective guidelines that include specific provisions for aged care facilities.
热浪会导致显著的超额死亡率，尤其是在老年人当中。本文研究了国家、州/省和市级层面的部分热浪应对计划，特别关注针对老年护理机构居民的具体应对措施。我们从几个正在经历以老年人口增长为特征的人口结构转变的国家获取了热浪应对计划。我们总共收集了23份热浪应对计划；其中大部分计划来自澳大利亚，加拿大和英国各只有三份计划，美国只有两份。这些计划的关键组成部分包括温度阈值分析、热应激预防措施和沟通策略。在分析的热浪应对计划中，只有三份包含针对老年护理机构的具体指导。预计未来几十年热浪发生频率和持续时间的增加凸显了政府实施有效指导方针的必要性，这些方针应包括针对老年护理机构的具体规定。
