The catastrophic fires currently gripping our region in New England and in NSW are unprecedented, devastating homes and tragically claiming lives.
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The New England Division of General Practice, a network of GPs in the region, would like to offer our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones and those who have lost their homes.
We would like to send support to those currently fighting the fires and stand with our communities. We acknowledge the contribution of climate change to these unprecedented fire conditions.
As GPs living and working in affected communities, we are seeing first hand the health effects of bushfires.
Even for those not directly in the line of fire, air pollution and smoke from fires has a range of effects on health.
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Air pollution can worsen asthma and chronic lung disease, and can cause heart attacks and worsen heart conditions.
For those with pre-existing asthma, lung or heart conditions, air pollution is particularly dangerous. However, even those with healthy lungs can be affected by high levels of air pollution.
Staying safe is paramount - we urge everyone to keep up to date with emergency services' advice and take warnings seriously.
These fire conditions are unpredictable and your safety is of the utmost importance.
Exposure to radiant heat is the biggest killer in a bushfire, as well as the obvious and serious risks of injuries and burns.
Our communities are strong, and we will face this challenge together. The support and generosity already evident shows the resilience of our communities - both in fighting the fires and when we recover and rebuild homes that have been lost.
Anxiety, depression, and other mental health impacts such as post-traumatic stress disorder can commonly emerge after bushfires, especially once the immediate threat has passed and we come to terms with the damage. If you experience these mental health impacts, you are not alone, and help and support is available.
Climate change is widely recognized by medical organisations to be one of the greatest threats to public health of our time. Recently the Australian Medical Association declared climate change as a health emergency. It is driving warmer, dryer weather which primes conditions for catastrophic fires.
GPs in the New England region urge decision makers to treat climate change as the emergency it is. This requires action to fully prepare health and emergency services for catastrophes such as this, as well as tackling the root cause of climate change - which is driven largely by the burning of fossil fuels.
Tips for staying safe:
- Stay up to date with emergency services via the Fires Near Me app, Rural Fire Services website and ABC local radio
- Take emergency warnings seriously
- For those areas affected by smoke but not immediately in danger from fires, stay indoors with doors and windows closed and minimize physical activity if possible. Air conditioning can help reduce smoke exposure. Further advice to keep safe from bushfire smoke available here.
- If you have trouble breathing, have chest pain or feel unwell, see your GP or local emergency department.
- For help with mental health concerns, visit your GP or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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