Calgary hospitals are seeing an increase in cough and smoke-related complaints as wildfires burn

Calgary remains shrouded in smoke as Alberta's wildfires continue – Alberta Health Services says emergency department visits are on the rise.

It comes as intense wildfires continue to rage across the province, forcing thousands of Albertans from their homes and blanketing communities across the province with smoke, and Calgary's Air Quality Health Index has reached “very high risk” status.

According to Alberta Wildfire's online dashboard, as of 2:30 p.m., 87 wildfires were burning in Alberta's forest protection areas, and 23 fires were classified as out of control.

Emergency departments in the Calgary area have seen a slight increase in patients with coughs and respiratory illnesses related to wildfire smoke, Alberta Health Services spokeswoman Kerry Williamson said in an emailed statement to the CBC.

Williamson said on May 6, when the Alberta government declared a state of emergency because of the wildfires, there were 105 patients who came to the emergency department of a Calgary-area hospital with coughs and smoke-related complaints.

Since then, the number has fluctuated from a low of 103 patients on May 10 to 155 on May 15, Williamson said.

Poor air quality continues

As of 2 p.m. Saturday, Environment and Climate Change Canada's air quality health index for Calgary was at its highest level — 10+, or “very high risk.”

People with heart and lung conditions are advised to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor exercise. Children and the elderly are also advised to take it lightly.

The general public should consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor exercise if they experience cough and throat irritation.

Environment Canada's statement on Saturday was still in effect, saying the smog would worsen air quality and reduce visibility at times.

Statements were also made for the City of Edmonton, St. Albert and Sherwood Park.

“Wildfire smoke, even at low concentrations, can harm everyone's health. Continue to take steps to protect your health and reduce exposure to smoke,” the warning said.

Environment Canada said people with lung disease, such as asthma or heart disease, the elderly, children, pregnant women and people who work outdoors are at increased risk of health effects from wildfire smoke.

Environment Canada says that if you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitting respirator-type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that allows air to pass through small openings between the mask and face can help reduce exposure to your face. small particles in smoke.

“These small particles usually pose a serious health risk. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in fire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you notice symptoms.”