Extreme Heat

Health Care Professionals are well positioned to help their patients avoid heat-related illness. Everyone is potentially vulnerable to heat-related illness. The following populations are at higher risk: 

• Older adults

• Infants and young children

• Pregnant People

• Individuals experiencing homlessness

• Outdoor workers and athletes

• People without access to cooling

• Individuals living alone

There are environmental, demographic and health factors that influence risk, which can be used to prioritize clients for screening. The NCCEH’s Health Checks During Extreme Heat Events resource may be useful for determining your patient’s level of risk for heat-related illness.

Vulnerable clients on Ontario Works and/or Ontario Disability can access cooling devices through Discretionary Benefits. Eligibility requirements and restrictions are outlined in this OW and ODSP Discretionary Benefits and Cooling Devices resource developed by the Canadian Environmental Law Association.

Additional Heat Resources

• Extreme Heat Events Guidelines: Technical Guide for Health Care Workers

• Acute Care During Extreme Heat: Recommendations and Information for Health Care Workers

• Community Care During Extreme Heat: Heat Illness: Prevention and Preliminary Care. 

• Health Facilities Preparation for Extreme Heat: Recommendations for Retirement and Care Facility Managers

• Extreme Heat and Human Health: For Pharmacists and Pharmacist Technicians

• Heat Alert and Response Systems to Protect Health: Best Practices Guidebook Health Canada. For policy makers, planners and service providers.