Sustained high heat has B.C. official urging public to 'preserve the ambulances'
The province's top ambulance officer is urging British Columbians to take extra care to avoid turning to emergency health services unless they actually need that level of care, amid fears the medical system may not be able to keep up.
The latest heat wave stretched into its second day on Thursday, with temperatures continuing to build, particularly indoors. That has prompted concerns as to whether B.C.’s short-staffed health-care system could handle an influx of patients falling victim to weeks of higher-than-normal temperatures.
“We would ask the public that if it isn't a true emergency to certainly use the 811 service to determine whether or not you need an ambulance,” said Leanne Heppell, chief ambulance officer for BC Emergency Health Services.
“Use urgent cares and use other health authority options to try and preserve the ambulances and emergency departments for the sickest patients.”
Critical shortages of paramedics that grew more acute last year have shown little sign of improvement, despite government claims that dozens of net new staff have been hired.
CTV News asked Health Minister Adrian Dix about ambulance and hospital resources amid the third heat warning of the season, and while he insisted patients are getting the medical treatment they need, staff are exhausted as they do their best to keep up.
“With two public health emergencies and high heat, it's a challenging time,” Dix acknowledged.
SENIORS AND DISABLED NEED EXTRA SUPPORT
Disability advocates have been urging the government to subsidize air conditioners for those most vulnerable to extreme temperatures, including seniors, those with mobility issues and disabilities, those on certain medications or with asthma, and others.
“The government has never addressed or responded to the many requests from people to add air conditioners as medical equipment,” said UBC nursing professor Jennifer Baumbush.
“We know who needs them in the province … the issue is political will of our government to make this essential piece of equipment available to people who need it.”
So far this summer, 16 people have died due to suspected hyperthermia, according to the BC Coroners Service. CTV News asked how many of them were indoors, but were told the coroners' investigations are ongoing and that information is not yet available.
WARNINGS SIGNS OF MEDICAL TROUBLE
Baumbush pointed out that those of us who aren’t as vulnerable to heat-related-illness have an obligation to check in on seniors and those who live alone because they may not realize they’re in trouble.
“An individual may not see that within themselves, that, 'I'm sweating a lot, I'm acting more confused,'” she said. “But if you're having a conversation with someone and their speech is garbled or they don't know what day it is and they seem more confused than typically, that definitely means you need to intervene.”
The Canadian Red Cross added that those taking to beaches and lakes need to think first about water safety, while everyone should consider how much time they spend in the sun, able-bodied or not, because the symptoms can sneak up on anyone.
“(Symptoms include) dizziness, they might feel faint, upset stomach, headachy," said spokesperson Lyle Karasiuk, who’s also a paramedic.
“Stay hydrated all the time, keep replenishing those fluids, find some shade and an umbrella – and try maybe not to venture out at the hottest part of the day.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Denial and uncertainty are looming over a Biden-Trump rematch 6 months out from U.S. Election Day
Exactly six months before Election Day, Biden and Trump are locked in the first contest in 112 years with a current and former president competing for the White House. It's a race that is at once deeply entrenched and highly in flux as many voters are only just beginning to embrace the reality of the 2024 campaign.
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.
Israel closes Gaza crossing after Hamas attack and vows military operation 'in the very near future'
Israel closed its main crossing point for delivering badly needed humanitarian aid for Gaza on Sunday after Hamas militants attacked it, reportedly wounding several Israelis, while the defense minister warned of "a powerful operation in the very near future in Rafah and other places across all of Gaza."
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
What a judge's gag order on Trump means in his hush money case
A gag order bars Trump from commenting publicly on witnesses, jurors and some others connected to the matter. The New York judge already has found that Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, repeatedly violated the order, fined him US$9,000 and warning that jail could follow if he doesn't comply.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
Should you save or splurge on makeup this summer?
If you're wondering whether you should splurge or save when it comes to buying skincare products and makeup this summer, we got some answers for you.
Chemical spill could be cause of stinky water in Puslinch, Ont., new report says
People living in Puslinch, Ont. may have the answer to why their water smelled so bad last year.