Introduction: Climate change increasing mean global surface temperature is associated with an increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events, such as heat waves. Exposure to heat stress poses risk to human health and wellbeing. Heat waves are associated with an increase in excess deaths and heat related illnesses, those with pre-existing health conditions and advanced age being at a heightened risk (Office for National Statistics, 2022; Arbuthnott & Hajat, 2017). The aim of this study was to examine the (1) utilisation and circulation of educational materials, (2) preparedness to experience and manage heat waves, (3) perceived heat illness symptoms in UK residents, particularly heat-vulnerable individuals, following a heat wave, and (4) willingness to adopt heat mitigation strategies in the future. 

Methods: 208 participants (148 females and 60 males, aged 18-86 years) completed a self-administered JISC survey within 10 days of the July 2024 heat wave (regional threshold temperatures: 25-28°C; threshold met in 8/11 regions for at least 3 consecutive days; peak temperature=32°C). All respondents confirmed they had been residents in the UK for > 6 months.  

Results: The sample included individuals with no known pre-existing health conditions (N=121), clinical conditions (N=41; including Obesity: N=7, Diabetes: N=6, Cardiovascular Disease: N=7, Respiratory Disease: N=15, and Neurological Conditions: N=11), mental health conditions (N=35), and advanced age (N=31; over 65 years). Twenty-one participants reported a combination of clinical conditions, mental health conditions, and advanced age (sample sizes reflect total number of participants with each condition; total sample: N=208).  

There was a lack of education to support preparation for a heat wave in healthy participants, only 12% (15/121) accessed Public Health England guidance, and 11% (13/121) were provided with education by their employer. Despite being at a known greater risk, employers rarely provided education to those with a clinical condition (3/41; 7%), mental health condition (4/35; 11%), and the elderly did not widely access the Public Health England guidance (2/31; 6%). Respondents expressed concern for the impact of heat waves on human health and wellbeing (120/208; 58%), despite many feeling prepared to manage a UK heat wave (133/208; 64%). Experience of heat related illness symptoms were reported (including fatigue, feeling thirsty, sweaty, and lightheaded) by participants with clinical conditions (41/41; 100%), mental health conditions (32/35; 91%), and the elderly (30/31; 97%). Willingness to adopt at least one heat mitigation strategy to improve future heat management was high (199/208; 96%), including regularly taking a hot bath (92/208; 44%), regular sauna use (64/208; 31%), using a fan (150/208; 72%), and taking regular breaks (136/208; 65%). 

Conclusion: In this sample of a broad demographic of UK residents, acknowledgement of the associated implications and willingness to prepare for heat waves were apparent. Educational materials were rarely encountered, even by those who are more vulnerable. These findings highlight the importance of education circulation by employers and public health organisations to enhance the preparedness of the public to endure heat waves.