Queensland researchers have launched a project to develop an in-home early warning system for elderly residents during extreme heat
The project, called Ethos, will use small sensors in participants’ homes to monitor the temperature and humidity and alert them when it becomes dangerous
The system will also provide personalised cooling advice via a tablet-like device, such as opening windows, using water or moving to a different room
The researchers say extreme heat kills more people in Australia than any other natural disaster and affects the elderly more severely
The project is funded by global charity Wellcome and will involve 100 participants in Brisbane and the Gold Coast
The trial will run for two years and aims to protect older people from heat-related illness and the impact of heat on their existing health conditions
The researchers hope the project will help reduce ambulance call-outs, hospital admissions and deaths due to heat exposure among the elderly
