Hospital capacity, indoor temperatures under scrutiny in latest B.C. heat wave
The Lower Mainland’s third heat warning of the summer is concerning health officials and meteorologists, who warn that those British Columbians most at risk of heat-related-illness have been facing elevated temperatures for weeks.
While being in warm temperatures and gradually acclimatizing to heat is generally a good thing, weeks of above-average temperatures have resulted in built-up heat in many homes, which has not dissipated to give people relief.
“Cumulative heat exposure over the course of days can be especially impactful for health, (such as) in a situation where we're having warm temperatures on top of already relatively warm temperatures,” explained Dr. Michael Schwandt, medical health officer for Vancouver Coastal Health.
Those most at risk include seniors, people with mobility issues and disabilities, people with certain heart and lung conditions, those who have asthma, and those taking certain medications.
The BC Coroners Service says 16 people have already died from extreme heat this summer, but Schwandt points out many people suffering or struggling are not in those numbers.
“There's also a burden of illness we're seeing in the emergency rooms, hospitalizations, and that's affecting our health system in a broader way, too,” he added.
IMPROVEMENTS IN COMMUNICATION AND PLANNING
A heat wave in June was the first test of B.C.’s revamped emergency heat response system, which was overhauled after 619 people died in last year’s heat dome tragedy.
The HEAT committee meets daily during heat warnings, and those involved say the process of determining when and how to respond to each heat event is getting better.
“It’s really good, we’re collaborating with partners and the message is getting out there,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Doug Lunquist. “We’re still ironing out bugs, of course, because it’s a criteria-based thing. If this one area triggers, maybe the other shouldn’t, and that sort of thing.”
He expects temperatures to drop over Friday and Saturday, before ramping up again with “no end in sight.” The committee is already looking at the trends 10 days out, he said.
“We’re talking to emergency managers ahead of time in the background, even before the public hears about it. We’re like ‘OK, this could happen, we need to be prepared for it,’” he said.
INDOOR HEAT A MAJOR FOCUS
The coroner’s inquest into the heat dome tragedy found that nearly all the victims died indoors. The overnight temperatures during that deadly week at the end of June 2021 stayed high, keeping many people’s internal body temperatures dangerously high without relief.
Despite that, there were no overnight cooling centres or options for those sweltering with nowhere to go. There still aren’t, but the temperatures aren’t forecasted to be that high this time around, and a Level 2 heat alert is not in place.
CTV News asked whether overnight temperatures, in particular, would prompt overnight cooling centres or some sort of alternative accommodations, particularly for those at highest risk.
“A lot of partners – including Vancouver Coastal Health, BC Housing, the City of Vancouver – have a lot of work going on to monitor indoor temperatures and overnight (temperatures) to understand what's happening,” replied Schwandt, saying they’re looking at options depending on the conditions.
“Because it's indoor temperatures that end up being the greatest risk for many people.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.