I’ve visited the tropics and felt the heat of Africa, but have never experienced anything like the heat dome that settled over South Delta for four long, sweltering days.
Humans have a great ability to forget, but I keep playing over in my mind the stillness of the days. No wind, no ocean breeze, a pale blue sky with a pollution haze in the distance. The heat dome felt apocalyptic.
Our busy road saw little traffic, no walkers or cyclists - everyone was indoors. It was eerie and disturbing, and even the birds stayed quiet.
That hush was pocketed with the sounds of sirens, as emergency vehicles answered no call too small. Or did they? That is the question coming to light now that the dome has been lifted.
All of our emergency services were overwhelmed, especially paramedics, and it now appears, unprepared. The BC coroner says the suspected sudden death toll in the lower mainland is 500 due to the heat. That is astonishing.
Delta police reported nine sudden deaths in 24 hours on the final day of the heat dome. Compare that to the average 5 calls a month they respond to under normal circumstances.
The BC Emergency Health Services has a $560 million budget yet they did not put on extra staff or dispatchers until after the heat wave was over. Many ill people where left to fend for themselves.
Clearly there are problems within the BCEHS that must be resolved by government and the unions.
I am sympathetic. Historically paramedics are notoriously underpaid and overworked. The opioid and COVID-19 pandemics have meant paramedics are stretched far too thin.
Paramedics saved my step son’s life after a snow boarding accident. I have nothing but admiration for anyone who enters this high stress career.
While I had some very uncomfortable days and nights during the heat wave, I was not alone without access to emergency services. I can’t imagine the anxiety for those who called and no one came.
I take it for granted that when I need help, an ambulance will arrive in a timely manner, and I want to continue to feel that peace of mind, no matter what the cost.
Extreme heat, forest fires, flooding, we have it all in B.C. and it behoves us to take action.
The June heat dome was a wake-up call to prepare yourselves, and your homes, for more weather events because climate change is here to stay.
Ingrid Abbott is a freelance broadcaster and reporter who will be better prepared for the next heat wave with a kiddie pool and bottomless margaritas.
