2023-07-07 04:55:20
Updated yesterday at 5:00 a.m.
How does extreme heat affect emergencies?
“In recent days, the occupation of emergencies has increased and we see on the ground that there are more visits,” notes the president of the Association of Emergency Physicians of Quebec, Dr. Judy Morris. With such a short period of time, however, it is not possible to confirm that this increase is directly related to heat.
Dr Morris anticipates more visits in the coming days, particularly from vulnerable patients with heart and respiratory problems, as well as elderly people. “With the heat, they will have fewer reserves and risk seeing their condition deteriorate more quickly,” she says.
Due to staffing shortages and summer vacations, ERs are already “in extremely difficult conditions,” says Dr. Morris. “We didn’t need the heat to cause an additional potential increase in patients. »
Has the workload of paramedics increased?
Reached by telephone, the assistant director in the direction of the management of the workforce of Urgences-santé, Stephane Smith, indicates that the paramedics have been overwhelmed since Wednesday. “We even have executives who have been on the road in recent days. »
Urgences-santé normally receives between 40 and 45 calls per hour. Since Thursday morning, calls have instead been received at a rate of 60 per hour. “The increase is not necessarily related to cases of heat stroke, but the heat wave is increasing the number of calls for seniors who have medical conditions, including respiratory problems,” said Stephane Smith. When days of high heat follow one another, the effects are exponential, he notes.
What regarding first aiders and security guards?
Over the past few days, the Jazz Festival’s first aiders and security guards have been called to intervene a few times for heat stroke, the festival team confirmed on Thursday evening. Since Wednesday, additional measures have been put in place, such as the installation of foggers on the site and the distribution of bottled water by rescuers and security agents.
Does the heat complicate medical procedures?
This is indeed the case, argues Stephane Smith. Paramedics can take advantage of the air conditioning in ambulances, but when interventions in “very hot apartment blocks” stretch out, “it’s not pleasant”. The protective gear that paramedics have to put on is necessary, but makes the heat they have to deal with even more overwhelming.
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