British Columbia has faced a series of climate-related extreme weather events in recent years, with severe consequences for both residents and health services. The 2021 heat dome led to over 600 heat-related deaths and overwhelmed emergency services, while wildfires caused increased illnesses and forced the evacuation of thousands.
B.C.’s health system, already strained by staffing shortages and burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic, has worked to respond to these emergencies. However, many health service workers reported physical and mental health challenges during and after climate events. Front-line staff, such as paramedics and home health workers, faced exposure to heat and poor air quality, especially when facilities lacked proper cooling and air filtration systems.
The mental toll was equally significant. Many workers experienced stress, trauma, anxiety, and burnout, compounded by long shifts and the logistical difficulties of providing care in extreme conditions. Events like the heat dome, which stretched ambulance wait times to up to 16 hours, left health workers unable to adequately care for everyone in need.
Pre-existing challenges, such as COVID-19 and staffing shortages, worsened these impacts. Health workers had to navigate ethical dilemmas such as balancing the need for heat relief with infection control protocols and faced difficulty commuting due to flooding or blocked roads.
Efforts are underway to protect health workers during climate emergencies, including facility upgrades, emergency response training, climate education, and mental health support. However, these adaptations are not consistent across B.C., with some workers unfamiliar with or lacking guidance on following safety plans.
The report cautions against focusing solely on reducing carbon emissions without adequately preparing health workers for ongoing climate challenges. A more resilient system requires transformative leadership that promotes trust, open communication, flexibility, and mental health support.
While individual resilience is vital, systemic changes such as addressing chronic staffing issues and improving work-life balance are necessary to ease the burden on health workers. Strengthening coordination among health authorities, governments, and communities will be essential to adapting health systems for future climate emergencies.
Ultimately, recognizing health service workers as community members and prioritizing their well-being will be key to building a more resilient health system in B.C. and beyond