The Impact of Bushfire Smoke and Public Health Messages on Medical Visits

Abstract

P-116 Introduction: It is well documented that there are significantly increased respiratory presentations to hospital emergency departments during times of bushfire smoke exposure. The impact on the community at the primary care level (family doctor) is unknown. There were four main aims of this project: To determine if a large bushfire engulfing a city caused a corresponding rise in known air pollutants. To examine if public health messages were distributed during the bushfires to advise avoidance of bushfire smoke for those susceptible individuals. To determine the quantity and type of primary care presentations, prior to, during and after the bushfire. To determine if public health messages during bushfires impact on the presentations to general practitioners (GPs). Methods: Time series analysis of GP consultations (n=835) around the time of the bushfire smoke that engulfed a city in Australia, in January 2005. Presentation symptoms were recorded, focusing on irritant and respiratory symptoms. Data was collected before, during and after the bushfire event. Comparisons were made with air quality data and particulate matter (PM10) levels. Public health messages at the time were analysed to determine their extent and impact. Results: Bushfire events were associated with a significant rise in PM10 levels (greater than 10 times non-bushfire periods). Public health messages were widely distributed during the time of the bushfire advising those susceptible to stay indoors. Respiratory and irritant symptom presentations to general practitioners did not significantly change during or after the bushfires compared to previous rates. Discussion and Conclusions: These bushfires were associated with a significant rise in residential PM10 levels. However, during and following these bushfires there was no increase in presentations to general practitioners. This may be due to adherence to public health messages to avoid the smoke or this may reflect the use of health care in Australia. Therefore, public health messages may be important in preventing a rise in primary care presentations during bushfires.