With heat warnings in effect and the memory of a deadly heat dome still fresh in minds, local governments on Vancouver Island have mobilized how to respond to heat-related emergencies.
A review of 619 lives lost during the heat dome of June 2021 was released by the BC Coroners Service on June 7. Fifty-five of those deaths occurred in the Island Health region. Of all the lives lost across the province, 67 per cent were age 70 or older and 56 per cent lived alone. Over 60 per cent had seen a medical professional within the month prior to their death.
The report suggests local governments consider how to support wellness checks. During last year’s heat dome, 98 per cent of the deaths occurred indoors and half of those who died were found during a wellness check carried out by family, friends, support workers or health workers out of concern for their well-being, or were conducted by police following someone reporting concern for an individual’s well-being.
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