Extreme heat has deadly consequences, as demonstrated by the recent investigation conducted by the BC Coroners Service in British Columbia, Canada. While the temperatures this year have not reached the extreme levels experienced in 2021, when a record-breaking heat dome caused the deaths of 619 people, there have still been three suspected deaths related to hyperthermia. The coroners are also investigating 16 deaths from last year that are believed to be linked to extreme heat.
Lisa Lapointe, the chief coroner for the province, emphasized that extreme heat can be fatal, particularly for older individuals and those with underlying health conditions. The lack of access to air conditioning exacerbates these risks and can lead to severe impacts. The 2021 death review panel highlighted overwhelming evidence regarding the vulnerability of certain populations to extreme heat.
The devastating toll of the 2021 heat dome has led to increased awareness among healthcare providers and the public about the risks of extreme heat. The BC Coroners Service has become more cautious in investigating deaths that occur during extreme temperatures. Lapointe explained that as confusion and fatigue set in, people are less aware of how hot they are becoming and less able to help themselves.
Recognizing the growing prevalence of hotter summers with dangerously high temperatures, Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health, the province’s two largest health authorities, issued a bulletin urging landlords and stratas (housing cooperatives) to remove any bylaws or policies prohibiting air conditioning or other cooling devices. They emphasized the importance of prioritizing life-saving interventions over aesthetic considerations or building standards.
Dr. Emily Newhouse, the Medical Health Officer of Fraser Health, compared high indoor temperatures to other indoor health threats like carbon monoxide. She recommended the use of modern portable air conditioning units as energy-efficient options that can provide relief and refuge, especially for vulnerable individuals who cannot access cooling centers during heatwaves. She also assured that these units are unlikely to strain existing electrical infrastructure.
Both Newhouse and Lapointe believe that climate change will continue to exacerbate the risks associated with extreme heat. Their concerns align with the message conveyed by the province’s premier on the anniversary of the 2021 heat dome, emphasizing the need to address and adapt to climate change.
Public health officials have faced challenges in educating the public about the risks of extreme heat, particularly in areas like the Lower Mainland, known for its traditionally cool and wet climate. In 2021, they failed to effectively communicate these risks to medical colleagues and emergency planners, leading to underestimations of the potential impacts of the heat dome.
A government-commissioned analysis conducted by the Canadian Climate Institute highlighted the importance of improved planning and messaging, the implementation of a Heat Alert Response System, and the provision of mechanical cooling to save lives and reduce healthcare costs. The report emphasized the need for greater integration and coordination among government response agencies. It also revealed deficiencies in the response of BC Emergency Health Services, which did not adequately ramp up its support until after the majority of deaths had occurred.
The report mentioned several instances where hospitals struggled to handle the extreme temperatures. Some emergency departments exceeded indoor temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius (89.6°F), with Lion’s Gate’s acute care floor reaching 38 degrees Celsius (100.4°F). The heat affected the functionality of CT and MRI scanners at four hospitals, hindering the diagnosis and treatment of critical health conditions. In one case, the Hardy View Lodge long-term care home experienced such high temperatures that its sprinkler system was activated.
As extreme heat events become more frequent and severe, it is crucial to prioritize strategies that mitigate the risks and protect vulnerable communities. Adapting to extreme heat includes providing access to cooling devices and implementing effective emergency response systems. By addressing these challenges head-on, British Columbia can better protect its residents from the deadly impacts of extreme heat.
