Heatwaves are a significant and growing threat to the health and well-being of the residents of Queensland, Australia. This threat is increasing due to climate change. Excess heat increases the demand for health services, including ambulance calls, and the purpose of this study was to explore this impact across Queensland. A state-wide retrospective analysis of heatwaves and emergency ‘Triple Zero’ (000) calls to Queensland Ambulance (QAS) from 2010–2019 was undertaken. Call data from the QAS and heatwave data from the Bureau of Meteorology were analysed using a case-crossover approach at the postcode level. Ambulance calls increased by 12.68% during heatwaves. The effect was greatest during low-severity heatwaves (22.16%), followed by severe (14.32%) and extreme heatwaves (1.16%). The impact varied by rurality, with those living in very remote areas and major cities most impacted, along with those of low and middle socioeconomic status during low and severe intensity heat events. Lag effects post-heatwave continued for at least 10 days. Heatwaves significantly increase ambulance call centre workload, so ambulance services must actively prepare resources and personnel to address increases in heatwave frequency, duration, and severity. Communities must be informed of the risks of heatwaves at all severities, particularly low severity, and the sustained risks in the days following a heat event.

Background: Queensland, Australia, is a popular tourist destination particularly for families and is renowned for its beaches, natural attractions, and exotic flora and fauna. While travelling with children can be an exciting and rewarding experience, it also exposes families to a range of injury risks associated with unfamiliar settings, recreational activities and environmental hazards. Methods: Data were extracted from Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) records for injury-related cases involving non-Queensland residents aged ≤15 years attended between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2018. Ambulance pick-up location coordinates were used as a proxy for injury location. Geospatial analysis was conducted, and chi-square tests examined differences between visitor groups by age, sex, and injury characteristics. Results: There were 3802 ambulance attendances for injuries in child visitors aged ≤15 years, with interstate visitors accounting for 85.8% of cases. Coastal locations were identified as common locations for injuries in children travelling in Queensland. Falls and transport incidents were the leading injury mechanisms among both visitor groups. Burns were the third leading mechanism of injury for the 0–4-year age group in interstate child visitors. Conclusion: The findings highlight opportunities for targeted injury prevention among child visitors in tourism settings, with particular attention to children aged 0–4 years. Strategies that promote parental supervision and awareness of environmental and activity-related hazards may help reduce injuries during travel.