B.C. paramedics see increase in calls during cold snap

As B.C. experiences freezing temperatures, a paramedic says the high number of emergency calls due to extreme weather is concerning.

BC Emergency Health Services has reported nearly 70 emergency calls from Dec. 21 to Dec. 28 as a result of the freezing temperatures.

Twenty of the calls related to hypothermia and frostbite came from the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions.

Troy Clifford, President of the Paramedics of B.C. says people in the Lower Mainland are ill equipped for below-freezing temperatures.

“When we see those adverse weather conditions people just aren’t as prepared for them as they are in the Interior. We have the same challenges in the Interior that we do with in the Lower Mainland, but there’s more volume [of calls] in the Lower Mainland,” says Clifford.

According to Clifford, the winter season normally increases the emergency call volume, but this year has seen an exceptional rise.

“Poorer road conditions than usual have caused more accidents and people falling and slipping, they are not illness related but they are still traumatic calls,” he explains.

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• Life-threatening cold leading many to seek warmth at homeless shelters

Considering the amount of unhoused people, the Vancouver police says the health and safety of people experiencing homelessness in a major concern.

“Though some have found space in shelters, many remain on the streets, in tents, and in alcoves,” says Sgt. Steve Addison.

However, according to the B.C. Coroner’s Service, they “have nothing to report at this time” in terms of cold-related deaths.

In response to the extreme cold weather the City of Vancouver is extending the current alert until Jan 3. Warming centres remain open & we encourage anyone who is sleeping outside or out in the cold during the day to visit one of these centres.https://t.co/5rI5BVPYgd pic.twitter.com/d4fW9GHuoQ

— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) December 28, 2021

The City of Vancouver has extended the cold weather alert until Jan. 3, and BC Emergency Health Services say “all ambulances are prepared to drive in wintery conditions.”