by Amber Streukens
ANKORS harm-reduction co-ordinator
Between June 25 and July 1, 2021, extreme heat across B.C. resulted in the death of 619 people. The majority of these deaths occurred indoors, among older people, most of whom lived alone. A BC Coroners report additionally revealed the majority of these deaths occurred among individuals with registered chronic health conditions, including schizophrenia, substance-use disorder, depression, mood and anxiety disorders, epilepsy, diabetes, COPD and asthma.
As we watch the forecast heating up, it’s important to have a plan for extreme heat, to know the signs of heat-related illness, and to support those at higher risk. Preparing for extreme heat events involves ensuring your space has good ventilation and window coverings, gathering supplies (such as air conditioning units, fans, water misters, rehydration supplements, indoor and body thermometers, light clothing, ice packs, bottled water, and sunscreen), planning activities around cooler hours, and being aware of upcoming weather forecasts, heat warnings, and cooling spaces in your community.
But for people with limited resources, much of this is unrealistic. People living in substandard or overcrowded housing often have limited options to improve ventilation or cooling. Additional supplies may not be affordable or accessible for everyone. People without houses face additional exposure with limited access to indoor space.
Extreme heat events are challenging for everyone, and even moreso for folks without homes and those who rely on public space. Libraries, malls, movie theatres, and cooling centres can provide air conditioned respite. For many complex reasons, not all of these spaces are equally accessible to everyone and some will need additional care to get through an extreme heat event.
In Nelson, people can access hydration supports and cool down at The HUB, at 521 Vernon St., seven days a week from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., year round. In the event of extreme heat, measured by daytime highs of 35C and nighttime lows of 18C, additional community space may be made available for emergency cooling purposes.
People who use illicit substances and those on a variety of prescribed medications may experience heightened vulnerability to heat exhaustion. Benzodiazepines and stimulants, prescribed and illicit, affect thermoregulation, as do many other classes of medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, diuretics, and antihistamines. For folks dependent on opioids, withdrawal also disrupts thermoregulation, as well as poses risk of dehydration. If you take regular medications, drugs, or have a health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.
Prevent heat-related illness by taking basic precautions to stay cool and hydrated. Drink plenty of cool non-alcoholic beverages, use electrolyte rehydration supplements as needed, stay out of the sun, cool down with wet towels or clothing, stay in the shade and visit cool bodies of water.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness so you can identify and address problems early on. Heavy sweating, muscle cramps, headache, rash, swelling, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, nausea/vomiting, confusion, and reduced urine production can indicate mild to moderate heat-related illness and should be treated immediately with rehydration, and wet cloths or a dip in cool water. If symptoms worsen or persist beyond an hour of treatment, seek medical attention. Severe headache, confusion, unsteadiness, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst/loss of thirst, fever, nausea/vomiting, dark urine/no urine, seizure, and inability to stay conscious are severe signs of dangerous heat-related illness that require immediate medical attention.
Days of extreme heat can also exacerbate mental health issues and may cause psychological distress or suicidality, or may make individuals more irritable, aggressive or violent. Look out for these signs and symptoms in yourself and those you care for, and seek support as needed. Be gentle with each other and try to keep a cool head in hot times.
Whether you need support or have support to lend, reach out to someone. Prepare a heat buddy system to help us all get through these extreme times. The best resource we have is each other.
Amber Streukens is the harm-reduction peer navigator at ANKORS.
READ MORE:
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