A new report has been released by the BC Coroners Service looking in to the deaths resulting from last year’s heat dome, and how to prevent them in the future.
Between June 25th and July 1st of last year, temperatures hit record highs across much of the province, resulting in 619 confirmed heat-related deaths.
According to the report, 98 percent of deaths occurred indoors, two thirds of those who passed away were 70 or older, and more than half lived alone.
More deaths were found among those living in deprived neighbourhoods, and those living with certain chronic diseases.
It also found a delay between the issuing of heat alerts by Environment Canada, and public response.
Paramedics attended 54 percent of deaths within 10 minutes, and took 30 minutes or more to respond to 50 of them, with six being told no ambulance was available.
Three recommendations are brought forward in the report: the implementation of a co-ordinated heat alert and response system, support for the most at risk populations, and the creation of long-term prevention and mitigation strategies.
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