The relation between ambulance transports due to heat stroke and air temperature using daily data in Okayama prefecture, Japan

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the link between ambulance transports due to heat stroke and air temperature by using daily data of ambulance transports in Okayama prefecture, Japan. Daily observations for ambulance transports due to heat stroke from July to September in 2010 in Okayama prefecture, Japan were obtained from Fire and Disaster Management Agency in Japan. Data of meteorological parameters in Okayama prefecture, Japan were also obtained from Japan Meteorological Agency. Effect of meteorological parameters on ambulance transports due to heat stroke was analyzed. A total of 1133 ambulance transports due to heat stroke were observed in from July to September of 2010 in Okayama prefecture, Japan. Ambulance transports due to heat stroke was significantly correlated with air temperature. In addition, number of subjects with ambulance transports due to heat stroke over 34°C in the highest air temperature was 21.2 ± 9.8 per day. Higher air temperature was closely associated with higher ambulance transports due to heat stroke by using daily data in Okayama, prefecture, Japan.