(Submitted photo/Joanie Olson)

By Joanie Olson

Refreshing Water Frolic

Important Ways To Beat the Heat

Jun 30, 2021 | 12:48 PM

The heatwave continues in Canada’s west with record breaking temperatures.

Environment Canada’s weather forecast shows a prolonged heat wave into next week for most of Saskatchewan. Temperatures will drop down from high 30 Celcius to mid to high 20s. Only the Prince Albert region is showing a chance of showers on Saturday.

In British Columbia, prolonged heat exposure is putting human lives at risk.

British Columbia’s Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe released a statement yesterday.

“Since the onset of the heat wave late last week, the BC Coroners Service has experienced a significant increase in deaths reported where it is suspected that extreme heat has been contributory. The Coroners Service would normally receive approximately 130 reports of death over a four-day period,” it said.

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According to the statement from Friday June 25 to Monday June 28 at least 233 deaths were reported with the number increasing.

Lyle Karasiuk, Director of Media Relations for Parkland Ambulance in Prince Albert, said the heat was already being felt by the paramedics and the people they serve.

“For our own paramedics, doing very best to keep them safe, giving them water, frequent breaks and keeping vehicles in tip top condition. (It’s) hard on them just as it is for others” he said.

Karasiuk said he was not aware of anyone who had passed away from the heat but have been responding to heat related calls.

“We have seen yesterday a fair number. Possibly at least half a dozen people we saw that were directly relating to heat emergencies,” said Karasiuk.

The message from Parkland Ambulance to the public remains the same during the prolonged heat exposure.

“If you have to go to the yard to do simple things like water the garden or basic household chores, try do them at coolest part of the day, early in the morning,” said Karasiuk. “Limit activity outside, so not out an extended period, taking frequent breaks and drinking plenty of water.”

The suns UV rays can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke and most common sunburns. Dr. Khami Chokani is the Medical Health Officer for the North said now is a crucial time to check in on our loved ones making sure they are in a cool, well ventilated space and drinking plenty of water.

Dr. Chokani said heat in the normal amounts is good but with the prolonged heat the body is not able to get rid of the extra heat.

“You will start to see a rash appear, than develop into sunburns, and will vary in difference from either a first degree which is light to a third degree burn where the skin gets burnt like they have been in a fire,” he said. “It will progress with the body failing when you develop heat cramps, which leads to heat exhaustion where people will sweat and instead of the skin being hot, it is cold and clammy.”

He said heat exhaustion can quickly turn into heat stroke.

“It rapidly moves into heat stroke where the person passes out and becomes unconscious and can have a poor outcome.”

Both Parkland Ambulance and Dr. Chokani urge people to follow safe practices.

“Find the best shade you can; library, shopping center, window shop and relief from the heat. If you see someone in distress and it’s not safe for you to offer assistance, dial 911 and get assistance for them to keep them safe as best we can,” said Karasiuk.

Local splash parks are a good way to cool down and running through the garden sprinkler in the backyard can be a fun way to cool down, no matter your age.

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joan.olson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @olson_joani