JAUE2020-099: Relationship between WBGT and Regional Features of Heat Stroke Ambulance Transport Rates

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and the number of emergency carriers due to heat stroke at each fire department in Kyushu and Yamaguchi region. The target period was July and August, which is designated as the month for strengthening heat stroke prevention by the Ministry of the Environment, because the number of transporters of heat stroke patients is large, from 2015 to 2019. The target areas were eight prefectures, Yamaguchi, Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Miyazaki Prefecture. The WBGT used a total of 121 observation area data of the surveyed prefectures published on the “Heat Illness Prevention Information” website of the Ministry of the Environment. In addition, for the data of the emergency carriers due to heat stroke of Oita and Yamaguchi Prefecture, the sources published on the website were used, and for the data of other prefectures, the sources provided by the department in charge were used. As the survey progressed, it became clear that prefectures and local governments differed in their awareness of health issues related to thermal environment such as heat stroke and in their awareness of the results of analysis. Since climate conditions and social conditions differ depending on the region, it is necessary to take more detailed analysis and take countermeasures in addition to conducting surveys by prefectures in wide areas and surveys in major cities.