With continued high temperatures expected in the lower mainland and many dorm rooms on campus not having air conditioning, students should prepare accordingly for the summer heat.
In an interview with The Ubyssey, Dr. Jennifer Baumbusch from the School of Nursing said the outcomes of heatstroke “can be quite severe.”
After the record-breaking heat dome in 2021, 619 people in BC died due to the extreme heat. Many of those who died or were hospitalized during the heatwave were seniors, those with underlying health conditions, or people who lived alone.
Baumbusch said the symptoms of heat exhaustion include sweating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps or an elevated heart rate.
Baumbusch said wearing loose clothing, drinking an adequate amount of fluids to stay hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity are helpful ways to keep cool, in particular for those without access to air conditioning.
She also advised people to prepare their meals ahead of time to keep in the freezer and to avoid the use of stoves, ovens, or any appliance that may make their homes warmer. Baumbusch also recommended people keep a wet cloth in the freezer to wrap around their neck when it becomes really warm.
For students living at UBC, buildings across campus with air conditioning include the Nest, IKB, Koerner Library and the Life Building.
Baumbusch also spoke about the importance of creating a network where people are checking-in on one another.
“If you have older family members who might be more susceptible during the heat or people who have chronic illnesses to make sure that you're checking in on them. But I think we also have to realize there are young people and students on campus who have chronic illnesses and might be disabled and also need to be checked in on,” she said.
“Having a buddy system during heat waves and extreme heat is a really important thing to do to make sure that people are managing.”