Extreme heat causes nearly 500 deaths a year in Quebec, the report shows

Extreme heat is having a major impact on Quebec’s health care system, according to a new report published by the National Institute for Scientific Research that sheds light on several heat-related mortality and morbidity statistics in the province.

The INRS findings, released Wednesday, show that high temperatures in Quebec from May to September are linked to an estimated 470 deaths, 225 hospitalizations, 36,000 emergency room visits and 7,200 ambulance trips.

The research shows that the province’s 811 Info-Santé health line is also experiencing an increase in calls, with an estimated 15,000 heat-related calls reported during those months.

According to the report, pressure on the healthcare system drops on five percent of the hottest days from May to September. An estimated 200 deaths, 170 hospitalizations, 6,200 emergency department visits, 1,500 ambulance rides and 3,300 calls to Info-Santé are due to the heat during that period.

Extreme heat waves are defined as high temperatures that have a statistically significant effect on health and last for at least three consecutive days.

“Knowing that extreme heat will be exacerbated by climate change, our team hopes that these results will lead to greater action to better protect Quebecers from the effects of heat,” wrote the report’s author, Jérémie Boudreault.

“Intense heat also has a direct cost to our system, which is strained to its limits.”

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‘Dangerously hot and humid’ weather in southern Ontario, Quebec

Canadian scientists have warned that the county’s future includes longer and more intense summer heat waves, which could also have a direct impact on people’s mental health. Reports point to “crime waves” showing an increase in violence.

According to environmental scientist Ian Mauro, “Being in that hot, oppressive heat can cause all kinds of social and mental health responses that can lead to unhealthy outcomes. Heat is just a risk multiplier.”

Officials warn to watch for signs of heat illness

Wednesday marked the second day in a row of “dangerously hot and humid” weather conditions in southern Quebec and Ontario, with daytime highs expected to range between 30 C and 35 C with humidex readings of 40 to 45, according to Environment Canada.

The weather bureau warned on Monday that the multi-day heat event is expected to last until Thursday or Friday, adding that there will be “little relief” overnight as minimum temperatures are expected to be 20 C to 23 C with humidex values ​​of 26 to 30.

Health officials advise people to watch for heat-related illnesses such as swelling, rashes, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of certain health conditions.

Those who are more vulnerable and at greater risk include seniors, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental conditions, people with disabilities or mobility problems, and people who are isolated. Environment Canada warns that you should never leave people, especially children or pets, in a parked vehicle.

– with files from Patrick Cain and Gabby Rodrigues, Global News

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