Extreme heat led to 42 emergency room visits in Toronto, public health agency says

The heat event that gripped the city from Sunday to Tuesday is being blamed for 42 trips to emergency rooms at local hospitals, Toronto Public Health says.

In a statement on Wednesday, the public health agency said the number of heat-related ER visits was not surprising.

TPH said the number is "consistent with the known health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants, older adults, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, those experiencing homelessness, and outdoor workers."

The public health agency is reminding residents to take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses.

"We continue to remind residents to take precautions during hot weather, including staying hydrated, seeking out air-conditioned spaces, checking in on others, and seeking emergency care when needed," TPH said.

Elevator rescues, medical responses, vehicle extractions

Toronto Fire Services said it saw an increase in emergency calls of up to 44 per cent for service during the extreme heat.

"Everything from elevator rescues to emergency medical responses to fires, to vehicle extrications and water rescues — it has been an extremely busy three days," Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop said Wednesday.

Jessop said a heat event puts pressure on the city's emergency response system but front-line responders are always prepared to help those in need.

"We plan for whether it's plus 45 with the humidex or it's minus 45 in January," Jessop said. 

"We've got very experienced and seasoned individuals both in our comm centre and certainly on our front lines. But we absolutely have plans for all the extremes because we know at the end of the day, we are the last line of defence for the citizens." 

Dr. Samantha Green, a family physician at Unity Health Toronto who specializes in heat and health, said the heat exacerbates chronic conditions and can trigger heart attacks and worsen underlying asthma and diabetes.

"When we're exposed to this extreme heat, especially for several days in a row, especially when the temperature doesn't drop at night, there is the risk of heat-related illness, so heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially among those with chronic medical conditions and the elderly."

Green said all levels of government need to ensure people stay safe during heat events.

"We really need to be better prepared at the individual level, but really at all levels of government, because it shouldn't be a surprise that in the summer it's hot and it's getting hotter."