ISLH – EECC – Climate-Resilient Island Health: Course 4 – Preparing for Climate Emergencies

Climate change-related emergencies are becoming more frequent and severe, and putting increased pressure on the health system. Events such as extreme heat, powerful storms, and wildfires can raise patient demand while also reducing the health system's ability to function effectively.

This course covers how emergency preparedness enables Island Health to maintain safe, effective care during climate-related events. It highlights ways staff can help strengthen our emergency response and build personal preparedness to support continuity of care.

This course is Part 4 of 4 in the Climate-Resilient Island Health learning series. Together, the four parts explore how climate change affects health in our region, how Island Health is responding, and how everyone can help build a climate-resilient health system.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain why emergency preparedness is an essential part of building a climate-resilient health system.

• Understand the risks that climate-related events such as heat waves, wildfires, and extreme weather pose to health and care delivery.

• Describe how Island Health and Health Emergency Management BC (HEMBC) work together to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related emergencies.

• Practice personal preparedness to strengthen your ability to respond effectively at work and support continuity of care.

• Identify ways staff can contribute to improving emergency preparedness and building long-term system resilience.