Elective surgeries postponed in Interior Health hospitals as B.C. prepares for heatwave response

KAMLOOPS — The B.C. government says all hands are on deck to prepare for the heat warning issued by Environment Canada that could last as late as Sunday (Aug. 15).

During an availability on Wednesday (Aug. 11), Health Minister Adrian Dix noted challenges that acute care at hospitals in Kamloops, Kelowna, and Vernon are facing. He said some elective surgeries are being postponed, allowing hospital staff to properly serve people during the heatwave, wildfire smoke, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The important changes and adjustments are being made,” Dix stated. “[Staff] have completed more surgical slates this summer than they normally would up to now. This allows us some flexibility to make these changes at this time.”

For emergency health services, Dix said managers will be working in hospital ERs to get patients out of ambulances and into care quickly, more clinicians will be stationed in dispatch centres, and on-call rural shifts for Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. is full time for the weekend. He added nurses at HealthLink BC are ready for higher call volumes.

Excessive heat exposure can lead to weakness, disorientation, and exhaustion. In severe cases, it can also lead to heat stroke, also known as sunstroke. Heat stroke can be a life-threatening medical emergency.

Anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, but some people are at greater risk, such as infants and young children, people 65 and older, people with heart problems or breathing difficulties, and people who exercise or work outside.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include:

• Pale, cool, moist skin
• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Rash
• Swelling, especially hands and feet
• Fatigue and weakness
• Light-headedness and/or fainting
• Headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting

More severe symptoms – high fever, hallucinations, seizures and unconsciousness – require urgent medical attention. Residents are encouraged to call 911, move to a cool place and cool the person with water and fanning.

To avoid heat-related illness, residents can plan outdoor activities outside of 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to avoid the most intense sun, drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, apply sunscreen and stay shaded.

Those who must work or exercise outside can drink two to four cups of water each hour and take rest breaks in the shade.

Anyone struggling to keep cool is encouraged to move to an air-conditioned building or take a cool bath or shower. Interior Health said fans may not be able to prevent heat-related illness at temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius.

Interior Health added that children and pets should never be left alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52 degrees Celsius within 20 minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34 degrees. Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.

For pets

Owners who regularly jog or bike with their dogs are asked to be mindful when they’re doing it.

BCSPCA recommends owners to exercise with their dogs earlier in the morning or later in the evening, to reduce the chances of their dog getting heat stroke or burnt feet.

When hiking, camping or going to the beach, owners should bring along a water bowl and water for their pet, as well as an umbrella for shade, along with using a towel to both dry off their pet and give them a place to lie down that’s not scorching hot.

Methods to cool down pets include filling a kiddie pool with water. freezing their favourite food or treats, such as Kongs or ice cubes with chicken broth.