Rural doctor warns South West residents about risks of exposure to extreme weather over scorching summer

A rural health expert is warning people in regional towns of the potential health risks brought by extreme weather. Rural Doctors Association of WA president Dr Clark Wasiun — based in Albany — has warned South West residents about the risks of increased heat exposure in the coming months. “Sunburn is an obvious issue that happens immediately from exposure, and that can be more than just painful,” Dr Wasiun said. “You can get quite severe burns from it that require treatment, but also things like hydration — you can get dehydrated quickly. “In terms of long-term effect, we certainly see a lot of skin cancers here, and it does not matter if you are a local or a tourist, both are equally at risk.” Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine WA representative Dr Jarrad Lenagan said another threat faced by South West residents was bushfires. “With the intense and drier summers and increased vegetation, I believe the greatest health risk will be caused by bushfires, as well as the general risks of heatwaves,” Dr Lenagan said. “But also the hotter climates can impact our agricultural communities through their wellbeing and their ongoing viability in the industry. “This can then lead to mental stress and financial stress — not just direct health stress.” As everywhere, the healthcare sector workforce also faces shortages of workers but Dr Lenagan said this would not stop rural health workers delivering care. “There is intermittent workforce issues that occur seasonally down in the South West — but these communities have long-serving and capable doctors,” Dr Lenagan said. “But I don’t think they are immune to the rural workforce issues that the whole of Australia is experiencing in having skilled and plentiful doctors and nurses and other medical staff.” While bushfires are the major threat in the South West, extreme heatwaves are the big villain in most of rural and remote WA. “Heatwaves can cause severe physiological stress on vulnerable people,” Dr Lenagan said. “Also for people with chronic health conditions, it can exacerbate their conditions and lead to direct heat injuries or even death. “It causes significant psychological stress for people, particularly if they’re unable to be comfortable due to issues like homelessness.” Dr Lenagan said he believed the main threat faced by those in regional WA, especially the South West, as compared to people living in metro regions, was limited access to the required support in case of emergencies. “The key difference between metro residents and regional residents are access to certain things,” he said. “The people in metro areas often have more access to electricity, and that can mean . . . better abilities to cool off their houses. “In rural areas, this can be intermittent, and the ability to cool our houses can be compromised.” Dr Lenagan urged South West residents to plan ahead and be prepared for extreme weather. “Monitor the weather and forecasts, and know what you are going to take to protect yourself — including how they will cool off, ensure they have access to enough water, make sure they stay hydrated, and have plans in place for potential disasters,” he said. “Stay up to date with local emergency services and planning advice.”