How extreme heat is impacting Canadians — especially those with medical complications: 'I was in really bad shape'

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The hot temperatures make summer a time for survival for Patricia Ann, a 41-year-old based in Victoria, B.C. With long COVID-19, respiratory issues, and other medical complications like POTS, she remembers facing the 2021 heat domes in her Vancouver apartment with daily heat exhaustion.

“I was in really bad shape," Ann told Yahoo Canada. "There are days of 2021 that I have no memory of, where I would just be passed out on my floor, trying to stay hydrated, or just trying to be alert enough to get food and water. It was a constant exhaustion.”

Ann had lived in her Vancouver apartment for almost a decade, but said the heat became unbearable within the past few years. Her concrete high-rise had no central air conditioning — since Vancouver traditionally didn't experience intense heat waves — and floor-to-ceiling windows that only allotted a 45-degree opening from a small pane. Ann would lie on the floor with ice packs, trying not to exert herself. Although the city opened up cooling stations, they were still inaccessible to Ann due to her disability. “It was pretty dire,” she said.

Ann is one of many Canadians who have experienced heat exhaustion, bordering on a heat stroke. During the heat dome of 2021, more than 600 deaths were reported "due to heat" In the years following, many provinces have faced extreme heat waves which put people’s lives and health at risk. In addition to mortality, short and long-term exposure to heat can contribute to various illnesses and hospitalizations.

Extreme heat warnings in 2024

The heat dome of 2021 was not an isolated event. Summer 2024 has consisted of multiple heat waves and heat warnings from Environment Canada, with temperatures across the country rising above 40 degrees Celsius several times.

In a recent news release, Environment and Climate Change Canada said human-caused climate change has made heat waves at least two to 10 times more likely to happen. July 2024 data revealed that in some parts of the country, peak temperatures were more than 9 degrees above the area's seasonal average.

Even though we're halfway through August, it's not uncommon for high temperatures to carry through September. Yahoo Canada spoke to an expert on how to manage heat exhaustion, what qualifies as a heat stroke and how Canadians can best protect themselves.

What do heat exhaustion and heat stroke look like?

Dr. Sameer Masood, a Toronto-based emergency physician with the University Health Network, said people commonly experience heat exhaustion as opposed to heat stroke, which is a more advanced condition with serious implications.

“The typical circumstance we’ll see is if it’s been a hot day and someone hasn’t had much hydration like water or electrolytes,” said Masood. He also points to other situations like someone engaging in vigorous activity outdoors like playing sports or running a marathon.

According to Health Canada, the people who are most at risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke include the elderly population, young children, people with chronic illness and those who work outdoors or are quite active outside.

Masood said common symptoms of heat exhaustion can include:

• Dehydration

• Sweating profusely

• Flushed cheeks

• Mild nausea

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

Symptoms might vary from person to person and Masood added that babies might exhibit restlessness and irritability.

How do you treat heat exhaustion?

Treating heat exhaustion starts with hydration and finding an area to cool down. “Those are the main priorities,” Masood said. That means getting indoors if you’re outside, into an air-conditioned space, or finding a spot with some shade.

When should you go to the hospital for heat exhaustion?

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have heat exhaustion, Masood recommends monitoring your symptoms for half an hour to an hour.

If your symptoms improve with moving to a cool space, hydrating and "if you’re not feeling dizzy or don’t feel as tired, not as flushed, nauseous or vomiting," he says it's reasonable to carry on and not go to the hospital.

However, if you don’t have any relief for your symptoms and if they get worse, Masood recommends going to the hospital to rule out heat stroke.

According to Masood, someone with heat stroke might present with neurological symptoms — like confusion or feeling disoriented — and then can progress to something more serious like a seizure. “You really start to look and feel unwell,” he said. “You may end up in a coma or with some other level of altered mental status.”

He adds that the body’s natural mechanisms to cool you down, like sweating or thirst might also stop working. “You actually end up having very dry skin when you’re having a heat stroke because your body essentially isn’t able to compensate for the heat by sweating.” Additionally, Masood said you can pass out or have a fast heart rate and low blood pressure.

For people experiencing heat stroke, they might have to be admitted to the hospital for a few days to manage their symptoms.

Prevention is key

Like with most things in medicine, Masood said heat exhaustion and heat stroke are best addressed by taking preventative measures. If you’re anticipating spending some time outdoors on a hot day, make sure to have proper hydration and take frequent breaks from strenuous activity.

Masood also recommends wearing loose clothing. “You can lose heat and transfer heat better as opposed to wearing tight clothing,” he said.

For Ann, being in B.C. in addition to the heat domes, also meant poor air quality due to wildfires. If you're someone with respiratory issues, monitoring the air quality can also help prevent potential health risks.

Lastly, Masood said the people who tend to be affected by heat stroke, are those who don't think too much about it—like kids or elderly parents. "So just check in and counsel your family members and friends if you can. It can be really important to keep these things in mind."

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