Weathering the Storm: Climate-Related Weather Event Experiences of Families of Children With Medical Complexity.
Jennifer Baumbusch, Vanessa Fong, Esther Lee and 2 others
PMID 40102035WHAT IT FOUND
Families of children with medical complexity relied on informal peer networks and out-of-pocket spending to manage extreme heat, wildfires and flooding.
Formal government supports were absent, forcing parents to stockpile supplies and alter daily routines to protect their children's health.
Key findings
01Participants described two main themes: their lived experiences during the heat dome, wildfires and flooding, and the adaptive measures they used.
02Formal supports were very limited, leaving families to navigate weather events themselves while relying on peer support.
03Families with financial resources purchased or rented equipment like air conditioners and purifiers, or stayed in hotels, highlighting disparities in access.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The sample was predominantly White, female, and relatively affluent, which may not reflect the experiences of families from other backgrounds or lower income levels who might face even greater barriers. The study was conducted in British Columbia, a region that had not historically experienced frequent extreme weather, so findings may not generalize to areas with different climate risks. Data was collected via Zoom, which may have limited the depth of interaction or excluded families with poor internet access.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume these findings apply equally to all families. The participants were largely affluent and White, meaning lower-income families likely faced even more severe barriers to securing cooling equipment and medical supplies that this study did not capture.