Sustained high heat has B.C. official urging public to 'preserve the ambulances'

The province's top ambulance officer is urging British Columbians to take extra care to avoid turning to emergency health services unless they actually need that level of care, amid fears the medical system may not be able to keep up.

The province's top ambulance officer is urging British Columbians to take extra care to avoid turning to emergency health services unless they actually need that level of care, amid fears the medical system may not be able to keep up. 

The latest heat wave stretched into its second day on Thursday, with temperatures continuing to build, particularly indoors. That has prompted concerns as to whether B.C.’s short-staffed health-care system could handle an influx of patients falling victim to weeks of higher-than-normal temperatures. 

“We would ask the public that if it isn't a true emergency to certainly use the 811 service to determine whether or not you need an ambulance,” said Leanne Heppell, chief ambulance officer for BC Emergency Health Services.

“Use urgent cares and use other health authority options to try and preserve the ambulances and emergency departments for the sickest patients.” 

Critical shortages of paramedics that grew more acute last year have shown little sign of improvement, despite government claims that dozens of net new staff have been hired. 

CTV News asked Health Minister Adrian Dix about ambulance and hospital resources amid the third heat warning of the season, and while he insisted patients are getting the medical treatment they need, staff are exhausted as they do their best to keep up. 

“With two public health emergencies and high heat, it's a challenging time,” Dix acknowledged.