London paramedics respond to uptick in heat

London paramedics respond to uptick in heat-related calls as heat wave drags on

The heat is expected to break on Sunday, with a high of 26 C in the forecast

As southwestern Ontario inches closer to the end of a crippling week-long heat wave, paramedics in the London area are extra busy responding to calls related to the heat that's been blanketing the region.

The Middlesex-London Paramedic Service (MLPS) is reporting an eight per cent increase in heat-related calls, according to Stefanie Fisher, a spokesperson for the service. They are also asking the public to be cautious while the heat remains.

"As temperatures are elevated, we're just encouraging the public to take precautions to reduce the risk of heat related illness," said Fisher. "That could be staying hydrated, limiting exposure to direct sunlight, taking frequent breaks, checking on vulnerable family members and utilizing the City of London cooling centres."

Friday marks the fifth day of a heat wave that has gripped much of southern Ontario this week. Temperatures peaked on Wednesday and Thursday, with humidex values into the mid-40s.

The heat has been so intense that it caused the cancellation of some Canada Day celebrations, prompted warnings from public health officials, and caused damage to a section of Highway 402 near Sarnia.

East London community cancels Canada Day event due to extreme heat

Trapped in the heat: Life inside a London encampment in the blistering weather

For some individuals, the heat has meant a constant struggle to stay cool, especially for those without a home or air conditioning.

According to Adam Bennett, the MLPS chief, calls paramedics have been responding to reflect those struggles. Many of those calls come from elderly people, he said.

"An increase in shortness of breath, cardiac calls, but also calls that would be associated with dizziness and potentially fainting," said Bennett. "When people are exerting themselves or engaged in physical activity [and work] in this type of heat, it tends to accumulate rather quickly."

Londoners brave the heat to celebrate Canada's 159th birthday

Bracing for the heat wave? Experts share some tips to stay cool

While they respond to people in need, even paramedics have to be careful when temperatures are as high as they've been, Bennett said.

"The heat wave itself doesn't deter them from going out there and helping. When we have heat waves like this, [paramedics] are even more conscientious about making sure that they themselves stay cool and hydrated," Bennett said, stressing the importance of hydration for everyone.

While much of southwestern Ontario remains under an orange warning for heat, Friday, the end of the heat wave is in sight, according to Environment Canada.

Friday's forecast included a high of 31 C, with a humidex value of 42 C. Saturday isn't expected to bring much relief, with a high of 29 C.

Sunday is expected to bring the first bit of relief, with a high of 26 C in the forecast, followed by another 26 degree high on Monday.

Environment Canada continues to warn residents of the dangers the heat can pose, reiterating the importance of staying in cool spaces as much as possible, and looking out for signs of heat exhaustion, including headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue.