London Emergency Services See Rise in Heat-Related Incidents

As southwestern Ontario approaches the end of a tough week-long heat wave, paramedics in London are busy handling calls linked to the sweltering conditions affecting the area.

The Middlesex-London Paramedic Service (MLPS) has reported an eight per cent rise in heat-related calls, according to Stefanie Fisher, a spokesperson for the service. They are also urging people to take care while temperatures remain high.

“As temperatures are elevated, we’re just encouraging the public to take precautions to reduce the risk of heat related illness,” said Fisher. “That could be staying hydrated, limiting exposure to direct sunlight, taking frequent breaks, checking on vulnerable family members and utilizing the City of London cooling centres.”

Friday marks the fifth day of a heat wave that has affected much of southern Ontario this week. Temperatures reached their highest on Wednesday and Thursday, with humidex values climbing into the mid-40s.

The intense heat has led to some Canada Day celebrations being canceled, prompted alerts from health officials, and caused damage along a section of Highway 402 near Sarnia.

For many individuals, dealing with this heat has been a constant challenge, especially for those without homes or air conditioning.

Adam Bennett, chief of MLPS, noted that calls paramedics have been responding to reflect these difficulties. Many calls come from elderly individuals, he stated.

“An increase in shortness of breath, cardiac calls, but also calls that would be associated with dizziness and potentially fainting,” said Bennett. “When people are exerting themselves or engaged in physical activity [and work] in this type of heat, it tends to accumulate rather quickly.”

Even while assisting others in need during these times, paramedics must also be cautious when temperatures soar as they have been lately, Bennett added.

“The heat wave itself doesn’t deter them from going out there and helping. When we have heat waves like this, [paramedics] are even more conscientious about making sure that they themselves stay cool and hydrated,” Bennett said while emphasizing how important hydration is for everyone.

The Middlesex-London Paramedic Service Headquarters in south London, Ont., photographed in March 2026. (Alessio Donnini/)

Heat wave nearing its end

While much of southwestern Ontario remains under an orange warning for heat on Friday, Environment Canada says relief is on the horizon as this heat wave wraps up soon.

This Friday’s forecast included a high of 31 C with a humidex value hitting 42 C. Saturday won’t offer much respite either since it’s expected to reach 29 C.

Sunday is anticipated to bring some relief with temperatures dropping to around 26 C before remaining steady at another high of 26 degrees on Monday.

Environment Canada continues warning residents about potential dangers posed by extreme heat and reiterating how crucial it is to find cool places whenever possible while watching out for signs of heat exhaustion like headache, nausea, dizziness, thirstiness, dark urine and severe fatigue.

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