B.C. paramedics union expects uptick in call volume during heatwave, delays possible

With the hot weather this weekend, the Ambulance Paramedics of BC (APBC) says it is expecting an increase in call volume but adds it’s unlikely the province will see delays like those of the deadly 2021 heat dome.

Troy Clifford, president of the APBC, says the service is in a much better place than it was during the heat dome.

“The lessons learned by the BC Ambulance Service have really put us in a better position to be prepared,” he said.

“Since the heat dome, our emergency management and preparedness arm has really done its diligence in preparing and opening up our emergency management side of things.”

But Clifford acknowledges the service is still dealing with staffing challenges and that could mean ambulance delays in more populated areas of the province.

“We’re still seeing shortages of ambulances and not enough paramedics to work. We’ve come a long way and done some significant improvements — in the Lower Mainland and the busier centres — we’re still seeing significant shortages of resources, fatigue and workloads that are higher than acceptable levels.”

It’s not just the heat. B.C.’s paramedics are also responding to floods and fires in parts of the province, as well as increased traffic on the roads as people get out to enjoy the hot weather.

“That always adds extra call volumes and puts pressure on the system, there’s no question,” he said.

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Despite the challenges, Clifford says there will be a paramedic for everyone who needs one this weekend.

He’s also reminding people to check in on their friends, family, and neighbours to make sure they’re doing okay in the heat to prevent the need for emergency care.

“My hope is always that we don’t see any delays or tragic events and people enjoy the weather, and we come out of the weekend with a relief that nothing significant happened,” Clifford said.

“I don’t ever want to see what paramedics, dispatchers, and the public went through in the heat dome. We lost over 700 people and there were so many more impacted who didn’t lose their lives. We can’t ever go back to something that horrible.”