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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
The Indian couple killed in a wrong-way police chase crash on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.