Searchable mapping tool shows local, county heat-related injury EMS activation data

Twenty-twenty-three has been a record year for temperatures globally—and they’re expected to continue to rise into the foreseeable future. From cooling infrastructure to policy changes that accomidate workers, cities and counties across the United States are adapting to this new norm. A new tool from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Climate Change and Health Equity and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can be of help.

The joint-initiative’s Heat-Related EMS Activation Surveillance Dashboard (“EMS HeatTracker”) is intended to help public health officials across the nation with outreach efforts and medical aid, to educate vulnerable populations and help decision-makers prioritize community resilience investments.

“Heat is no longer a silent killer. From coast-to-coast, communities are battling to keep people cool, safe and alive due to the growing impacts of the climate crisis,” said Xavier Becerra, secretary of health and human services, in a joint statement. “The EMS HeatTracker is a powerful tool from the Biden-Harris Administration that brings actionable information to prioritize outreach and interventions, helping prevent heat-related illnesses and death and build resilience across the nation.”

The tool, which displays a detailed and searchable map of the United States, highlights EMS-related 911 calls for heat injuries and illnesses by displaying up-to-date clinical care and patient data from the the National EMS Information System, which is maintained by NHTSA.

Jurisdictions and counties with the highest rates of heat-related EMS activations are highlighted. National data is also available. A statement about the tool notes it doesn’t include information about patient fatalities that occurred prior to EMS arrival, or fatalities with no EMS response.

To read the complete article, visit American City & County.