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Trends and Regional Variation in Heat-Related EMS Encounters in the US
M Chloe Slator1, Margaret Greenwood-Ericksen2, David P Sklar3
1The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Prehospital Emergency Care
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Heat-related emergencies are rising, with a slight national increase in prehospital encounters by 2023. Certain U.S. regions show significantly greater increases, necessitating targeted emergency response strategies.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Environmental Health
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Heat-related emergencies are a growing concern in the United States.
- Understanding trends in prehospital heat-related encounters is crucial for public health.
- Limited data exists on the temporal and geographic patterns of these events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine temporal and geographic trends in prehospital heat-related encounters.
- To assess demographic and clinical factors associated with heat-related emergencies.
- To identify regional variations in the incidence of heat-related prehospital encounters.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) database from 2019-2023.
- Comparison of heat-related encounters with non-heat-related encounters.
- Logistic regression analysis to evaluate trends and regional variations in heat-related complaints.
Main Results:
- Heat-related encounters involved younger patients, males, and higher rates of tachycardia and hypotension.
- A slight national increase in heat-related encounters was observed in 2023 compared to 2019 (OR 1.04).
- Significant regional variations in heat-related encounters were identified, with notable increases in the Mountain, Pacific, West South Central, and West North Central divisions.
Conclusions:
- While national trends show a slight rise, specific U.S. regions have experienced disproportionately larger increases in heat-related prehospital encounters.
- Further research is essential to pinpoint vulnerabilities and enhance emergency response strategies for heat-related illnesses.
- The findings highlight the need for geographically tailored public health interventions and emergency preparedness.
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