Phoenix Fire Department is implementing new tactics to save lives during the region’s first heat wave, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees in the Southwest. The department is using the technique of cold-water immersion, which involves submerging heatstroke victims in ice on the way to hospitals. This technique has been adopted by Phoenix hospitals as well, with the goal of improving patient survivability in extreme heat conditions.
As oppressive heat arrives earlier than usual in the region, emergency crews are utilizing the cold-water immersion method on critical patients to lower their body temperature in minutes. With record-breaking temperatures expected in Phoenix and Las Vegas, the fire department is keeping cooling stations open overnight for the first time. The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings in parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona, with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal expected overnight in the Las Vegas area.
In California, record-breaking temperatures were reported in areas like Bishop and Death Valley National Park, with highs forecasted to reach 121 degrees in Death Valley. Other parts of the Southwest, including Arizona and New Mexico, are also experiencing extreme heat, prompting the activation of cooling centers and heat protection ordinances in various cities. Officials are taking measures to ensure the safety of residents during the heatwave, as past years have seen a significant increase in heat-related deaths in the region.
Valleywise Health Medical Center in Phoenix has adopted cold-water immersion therapy for heatstroke patients, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and reducing the mortality rate associated with severe heat illness. The technique, which is still relatively uncommon in non-military hospitals and prehospital settings, has shown promise in rapidly cooling down patients before they reach the emergency department. Other medical centers in California and Texas have also begun using this method, recognizing its potential to save lives during extreme heat events.
As the Southwest faces the challenges of the first heatwave of the season, cities like Phoenix are taking proactive measures to protect residents from the dangers of extreme temperatures. With record-breaking highs and limited relief expected overnight, communities are mobilizing cooling centers and implementing heat protection ordinances to mitigate the impact of the heatwave. By adopting innovative techniques like cold-water immersion therapy, medical professionals and emergency responders are working together to save lives and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses in the region.
