People living on the streets are more vulnerable to dehydration or heatstroke during a heatwave than others, but aid organisations receive significantly less support in summer than in winter. One such organisation takes in about 100 homeless people during the summer, because living on the streets is dangerous in extreme heat. “We actually see no difference in the mortality rate between periods of extreme cold and extreme heat,” Noé Brohez of ‘t Eilandje told Bruzz. “That means life on the streets is just as difficult
in summer as it is in winter.” However, the charity is now receiving fewer donations than in winter – a drop of up to 75% – while demand remains just as high. “Some of our donors are on holiday, but there’s also a perception that our needs aren’t as great in the summer,” said Ariane Dierickx, director of ‘t Eilandje. “The opposite is true. We now have to dip into our reserves.” Homeless support organisation Samusocial is also facing the same dilemma as their teams
work to hand out water, sun cream and caps to people living on the streets. “Heatstroke, dehydration, sunstroke or feeling unwell: people living on the streets are more vulnerable to the effects of the heat because they are exposed to it day and night,” said Raphaël Delhalle, a medical counsellor at Samusocial. “They have less access to cool, air-conditioned spaces, which is why we see more hospital admissions among this group. It’s also much harder for them to follow the recommendations to combat the effects
of the heat.” People living on the streets with medical conditions are also even more vulnerable during heatwaves. This includes pregnant women, children, older people and those with chronic conditions. Samusocial’s teams on the ground are particularly vigilant when it comes to these groups. “Among the most vulnerable people are also those taking medication that does not tolerate heat well,” Delhalle said. “This is the case with insulin, for example. They’re unable to keep these medicines cool, which means they cannot follow their treatment properly.”
Meanwhile, the City of Brussels has stepped up its prevention and support measures during the heatwave in an effort to protect the most vulnerable members of the community, and a freephone number (0800 35 550) has been set up to provide information, guidance and support to elderly or isolated people and their loved ones. The capital’s heatwave plan is based in particular on its network of community centres, which pass on prevention advice, identify high-risk situations and maintain close contact with the most vulnerable residents.
Particular attention is also paid to homeless people. Welfare workers have been mobilised to distribute water, raise awareness of heat-related risks and ensure that the most vulnerable people receive appropriate support. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the police and Samusocial. Non-profit organisation L’Ilot emphasises that “homelessness knows no season”. The charity, which works to tackle homelessness and extreme precariousness, said that political and media attention often focuses on the winter months, but dehydration, a lack of shade, and the inability to
wash or rest in a cool place are also among the difficulties faced by homeless people. According to L’Ilot, day centres experience high numbers of visitors during the summer and it is essential to strengthen existing services, extend opening hours and ensure sufficient access to water, toilet facilities and places to rest for those most vulnerable to the heatwave. But this particular heatwave, which is long-lasting and potentially record-breaking, has overwhelmed emergency services. Emergency rooms have reported a surge in heatstroke victims over the last
few days. The A&E department in Marche-en-Famenne has seen an admissions spike of 15% and staff there say that the department is overwhelmed, with all treatment cubicles and beds occupied. Patients are often elderly people or those who exerted themselves physically without staying hydrated. Dr Stéphanie Charpentier, senior doctor in the A&E department at Vivalia Hospital in Marche, said: “The most common conditions we’re seeing are heatstroke, dehydration, fainting, feeling unwell and chest pain. All of these are linked to the heat”. Head nurse Coline
Etienne said staff were working around the clock: “It’s true that managing a massive influx like this is completely unpredictable. The staff are under constant pressure. Things get backed up at times, and it’s not an easy situation for the staff to manage.”
Brussels heatwave, homeless, dehydration, heatstroke, Samusocial, ‘t Eilandje, L’Ilot, 0800 35 550, emergency rooms, Marche-en-Famenne