Emergency ambulance dispatches and apparent temperature: A time series analysis in Emilia-Romagna, Italy

► We investigate the impact of stressful meteorological conditions on ambulance dispatches. ► We use a time series approach. ► The effects are evaluated for non-traumatic, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. ► There is a strong relationship between ambulance dispatches and biometeorological conditions. ► Risks are almost three times higher for people aged 75 or older compared with those aged 35-64.