British Columbia Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe has made three key recommendations to the government to prevent further heatwave-related deaths following the “heat dome” that hit the province in the summer of 2021 and left 619 homeless. dead.
First, it recommended the creation of a coordinated provincial extreme heat alert and response system, a recommendation already being accepted by the government, which announced such a system on Monday.
Second, the coroner advises to identify and support the populations most at risk during extreme heat. Two-thirds of those who died during the heat dome were over 70 and more than half of them lived alone, its report points out.
This document noted that heat -related deaths were more common among people with chronic illness, who were poor or had no air conditioner or fan.
Third, Lisa Lapointe recommends that the province implement long -term risk mitigation strategies.
The situation is serious
To prevent another deadly heat wave, Coroners Service Chief Medical Officer Jatinder Baidwan said people need to understand the seriousness of extreme heat events.
People who feel unwell should contact their relatives or go to a refreshment centerhe said.
” People need to understand the severity of a heat wave and take action. [L’été dernier], how many of us knock on the neighbor’s door to ask if they’re okay? When the weather is nice, people mainly think of the beach and all the activities they can do outside. “
The report also recommends changes to the building code with respect to heat. We’re usually worried about someone dying in the cold and there are rules in the Building Code about insulation, for example, but nothing about heat.Dr. emphasizes. Baidwan.
To this question by a journalist at a press conference on Tuesday: Is British Columbia better prepared than last June to face a heat wave?Dr. replied. Baidwan oo while acknowledging that nothing is perfect.
Above all, we want to eliminate as many risk factors as possible and we have given the government a roadmap to achieve this.
Highlight system shortcomings
The province and some municipalities are facing criticism for their handling of the heat dome during the summer.
The report says that in 50 cases, paramedics took 30 minutes or more from the time of the call until they arrived at the scene. In six cases, the caller was informed that no ambulance was available to assist.
At a press briefing on Monday, Health Minister Adrian Dix said the number of staff has been increased so there will be more ambulances and full-time staff in the province’s 24 communities.
If the weather is relatively cold and humid at the moment, however the province invites British Columbians to prepare for the next stages of the heat, especially by following the advice published in this guide (in French) (New window).
There is information from Nantou Soumahoro
Source: Radio-Canada
