Can heatwave deaths be prevented?
Seniors lobby group, COTA Victoria, is concerned that many more hundreds of older people will die as result of heat wave conditions this February.
According to COTA Victoria chief executive, Sue Hendy, unnecessary deaths of older people can be prevented but “it will take concerted effort and good planning by government and the community”.
“This January’s four day record heat wave resulted in a record 139 deaths in excess of the average according to the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and the death toll for February is predicted to well exceed this,” Ms Hendy said.
“Of particular concern are many thousands of older Victorians in the north of the state, people in rural Victoria who are experiencing higher than average temperatures that are well into the 40s, and whose access to services such as ambulances is severely limited.”
Ms Hendy claimed it was clear marginalised and vulnerable older people needed to be reached by radio and television messages in a “well funded and imaginative public information campaign” that could also alert the general community to be vigilant by watching out for older people.
“It is just not good enough to analyse the impact of recent heat conditions and leave it at that. We need to start working on a plan of action immediately so that Victoria is better prepared for the heat wave conditions predicted for the future,” she said.
With temperatures soaring in many parts of Australia and little relief in sight, consumer lobby group for the over 50s National Seniors Australia has also called for the public to help older people who may not be coping well.
Michael O’Neill, National Seniors chief executive, said: “The heat is stretching the resources of ambulance services and the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast extreme temperatures to return with a vengeance this weekend.
“Younger people can help out their elderly relatives, friends and neighbours by checking to see if they are drinking enough water or if their homes are well ventilated.
“If someone has mobility issues, taking them to an air conditioned shopping centre or cinema for a few hours may bring a much welcomed relief,” he said.
People who are aged over 70 years are particularly vulnerable to heat stress which could cause them to become dehydrated, fall ill or worse.
