The role of environmental factors in search and rescue incidents in Nunavut, Canada

D G Clark; J D Ford; L Berrang-Ford; Tristan Pearce; S Kowal; W A Gough

doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2016.06.003

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The role of environmental factors in search and rescue incidents in Nunavut, Canada

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

The role of environmental factors in search and rescue incidents in Nunavut, Canada

D G Clark, J D Ford, L Berrang-Ford, Tristan Pearce, S Kowal and W A Gough

Public Health, Vol.137, pp.44-49

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2016.06.003

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Abstract

Arctic

search and rescue

injury

climate change

Objectives: Unintentional injury is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nunavut, where the importance of land-based activities and reliance on semi-permanent trails create unique risk profiles. Climate change is believed to be exacerbating these risks, although no studies have quantitatively examined links between environmental conditions and injury and distress in the Canadian Arctic. We examine the correlation between environmental conditions and land-based search and rescue (SAR) incidents across Nunavut. Study design: Case study. Methods: Case data were acquired from the Canadian National Search and Rescue Secretariat. Gasoline sales from across the territory are then used to model land-use and exposure. We compare weather and ice conditions during 202 SAR incidents to conditions during 755 non-SAR days (controls) between 2013 and 2014. Results: We show daily ambient temperature, ice concentration, ice thickness, and variation in types of ice to be correlated with SAR rates across the territory during the study period. Conclusions: These conditions are projected to be affected by future climate change, which could increase demand for SAR and increase injury rates in the absence of targeted efforts aimed at prevention and treatment. This study provides health practitioners and public health communities with clearer understanding to prepare, respond to, and prevent injuries across the Arctic.

Details

Title: The role of environmental factors in search and rescue incidents in Nunavut, Canada
Authors: D G Clark (Author) - McGill University, Canada
J D Ford (Author) - McGill University, Canada
L Berrang-Ford (Author) - McGill University, Canada
Tristan Pearce (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
S Kowal (Author) - University of Toronto, Canada
W A Gough (Author) - University of Toronto, Canada
Publication details: Public Health, Vol.137, pp.44-49
Publisher: W.B. Saunders Co.
Date published: 2016
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.06.003
ISSN: 0033-3506
Copyright note: Copyright © 2016. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450466502621
Output Type: Journal article