Metro Vancouver paramedics busy due to dangerous heat, smoke

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Calling this an emergency situation, Vancouver Coastal Health says it’s trying to deal with this heat wave differently than they did earlier this summer.

An extreme heat alert is in effect, meaning there is a high risk to the public and we could see an increase in deaths. The last time a level 2 alert was issued was in June, during the heat dome, which saw a spike in deaths compared to what’s normally seen in the same timeframe.

Extreme heat alerts have been issued by @VCHhealthcare and @Fraserhealth. Residents should take precautions to protect themselves and others. Check on those who may be isolated or more susceptible to heat. Hot indoor temperatures can pose health risks. https://t.co/vaLS9UVoIH pic.twitter.com/kRuhLBhIIS

— BCCDC (@CDCofBC) August 13, 2021

Medical Health Officer Dr. Michael Schwandt says the next couple of days could be deadly.

“We’ll work very closely both within our health authorities and with partner agencies, such as municipal governments and non-governmental organizations, to treat it with that importance. Right now, it can be a life and death situation for many people, and we’re hoping to prevent these severe health outcomes that we know can happen.”

An overnight cooling centre is running from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. at the Gathering Place at 609 Helmcken St. in Vancouver. Pets that are on leashes and well-behaved will be allowed.

In response to the extreme heat alert, we will be running an overnight cooling centre from 10 PM until 6 AM at Gathering Place Community Centre, 609 Helmcken Street. pic.twitter.com/SzLXivDWTX

— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) August 13, 2021

There are several other cooling centres and air-conditioned spaces across the region. Click here to find a list.

RELATED: Heat records broken across B.C. as scorching temperatures persist

A statement from Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health says “no one should be denied access to [cooling] centres because of concerns about crowding or physical distancing.”

The air quality and heat can both be dangerous, especially for people with underlying health conditions. Dr. Ariella Zbar, also a medical health officer, says you should take off your mask if you feel it’s necessary, adding getting through the next couple of days is crucial.

“If you’re finding yourself in a space where it is difficult to breathe — it is too hot out or too hot inside — your health at that moment is very important, and it’s fine to remove the mask to get some relief,” she said.

We strongly advise residents to take precautions to protect themselves and others from the heat and significant wildfire smoke rolling in for the next few days.

Please take extra steps to protect yourself and those who are vulnerable in our communities. https://t.co/fAfcyficug pic.twitter.com/334qIiQTma

— Fraser Health (@Fraserhealth) August 13, 2021

Both Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health are urging residents to check on vulnerable neighbours, and monitor themselves and others for symptoms of heat-related illness after an extreme heat alert was issued Thursday evening.

“Based on previous heat events, the anticipated temperatures are proven to cause negative health outcomes among Lower Mainland residents who may not be acclimatized to temperatures in this range and may not have ready access to measures such as air conditioning,” the Thursday statements from health authorities say.

“Heat stress can pose an immediate danger to health and may be fatal. Symptoms of severe heat-related illness can include dizziness, confusion, weakness and fainting or collapsing, including loss of consciousness.”

Heat wave, air quality means rise in ambulance calls

It’s another tiring and stressful time for paramedics, with the heat wave and poor air quality in the Metro Vancouver region.

“They’re trying to go call to call and compensate for our shortages in staffing, which is still an ongoing problem,” said Troy Clifford, president of the Ambulance Paramedics Union of BC. “They’re seeing … heat calls [but] not in the same manner we did last time because I think people are more aware.”

However, Clifford says it’s nothing like the scale of what his members experienced during the heat dome.

“We’re seeing an increase in call volumes, over and above our normalcies, but right now we’re not experiencing, so far, the same volumes and incredible illnesses and sickness that we saw during the previous heat dome.”

#AirQuality advisories have been continued for #MetroVancouver & #FraserValley due to high concentrations of fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke, & for ground-level ozone in Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley due to hot weather.

Learn more: https://t.co/lfLvruEwWC pic.twitter.com/jTnT3QVaow

— City of Delta (@CityofDeltaBC) August 13, 2021

The humidity and smoke are resulting in more cardiac and respiratory issues.

Schwandt calls all of this “climate change adaptation.”

“It’s going to be a major topic for the years and decades to come,” he added.