Temperature related mortality and ambulance service interventions during the heat waves of 2003 in Ticino (Switzerland)

Summary. Objectives This study investigates a potential increase in mortality and in the demand for ambulance emergency services among the elderly in particular, in Ticino in the summer of 2003. Methods Mortality rates and emergency ambulance interventions rates were compared with records from the previous years. We considered the whole population, aged 65 and over, as well as 75 and over. Results The 2003 mortality in the population was not signifi cantly different from the previous years. The number of deaths among the elderly showed a small but significant deviation from the expected values during the first heat wave in June 2003, with no significant impact on the seasonal results. The number of ambulance service interventions was larger than during the previous years. Conclusion These results are consistent with findings in other studies. The heat waves (especially in June), were correlated with a higher number of ambulance callouts. In addition to some geographic, climatic, and social factors that had a protective impact, the response of the emergency services is likely to have contributed to a certain reduction in mortality. Submitted: 29 October 2004; Accepted: 29 August 2005