Global Perspective: An Unbiased Glance at the Globe

Heatwave Death Prevention Measures in Montreal

Global Perspective: An Unbiased Glance at the Globe

Montreal has taken proactive steps to mitigate heat-related deaths during heatwaves, focusing on general health advice and targeted support for vulnerable populations.

General Prevention Measures

1. Public Awareness and Education: Heat warnings from Environment Canada are heeded, and residents are reminded to stay hydrated and seek cooler environments, such as air-conditioned public spaces or shaded parks.
2. Cooling Facilities: The city offers various public facilities for residents to cool down, including swimming pools, libraries, and parks with shaded areas. Residents are also advised on how to keep their living spaces cool, using air conditioning or relocating to cooler areas if possible.
3. Reduced Physical Activity: Residents are encouraged to reduce their physical efforts during heatwaves to prevent heat exhaustion.
4. Health Surveillance: Public health officials monitor for increases in deaths, ambulance transports, and emergency calls related to heat conditions.

Vulnerable Populations

1. Older Adults: Seniors aged 65 or older are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses due to decreased bodily functions that can impair their ability to regulate body temperature. In the 2024 heatwave, 13 of the 15 deaths occurred in individuals aged 65 and over.
2. Chronic Health Conditions: People with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Most of the deceased in 2024 had pre-existing chronic conditions.
3. Mental Health Conditions: The 2018 heat wave in Montreal highlighted schizophrenia as a significant risk factor, with 26% of heat-related deaths among individuals with this condition. In 2024, only one person with schizophrenia died, but the population remains vulnerable.
4. Socially Isolated Individuals: Those living alone may receive less support and monitoring, making them more vulnerable during heatwaves.

Reporting and Response

• Heat-Related Death Reporting: Emergency room doctors are required to report all suspected heat-related deaths promptly to the public health department.
• Emergency Response Plans: The city has coordinated emergency response plans to activate during extreme heat events, ensuring timely support for vulnerable populations.

By focusing on these measures and populations, Montreal aims to reduce the risk of heat-related deaths during periods of extreme heat. Dr. Anne-Sara Briand, a physician at the Montreal Regional Health Authority (MRHA), stated that one death is few but the data should be interpreted with prudence. Dr. Julia Chabot, president of the Quebec Association of Geriatric Physicians, encourages Quebecers to reach out to seniors in their circle to ensure they're feeling well. Dr. Stéphane Proulx, head of the psychiatric emergency service at Notre-Dame Hospital, is contacting all patients on antipsychotics or lithium who are outside the hospital to remind them to stay hydrated.

A door-to-door operation was launched in vulnerable neighborhoods on both Tuesday and Wednesday, using 15 teams from the Montreal Fire Department. The operation on Tuesday visited a total of 863 dwellings and reported no interventions. The operation continues on Wednesday, with the aim of providing resources and support to those most at risk during heatwaves.

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