Triple-digit temperatures were recorded in Phoenix, Arizona, on Tuesday due to dangerously hot conditions. According to experts, these temperatures are expected to reach 110F (43.3C) in certain regions by Thursday, which will result in excessive heat warnings.
The Phoenix Fire Department is hoping that by implementing this innovative strategy—cold water immersion therapy—more lives will be saved.
Maricopa County, which is home to Phoenix and many of its suburbs, saw at least 645 heat-related deaths last year, a 52% rise from the year before.
“Just last week we had a critical patient that we were able to bring back before we walked through the emergency room doors,” said Fire Captain John.
Improving patient survivorship is our aim.
According to the fire chief, Phoenix hospitals have lately accepted the medical procedure as standard procedure, and marathon runners and military personnel are also familiar with it.
The patient is wrapped in an impermeable blue sack filled with ice crystals.
In just a few minutes, he claimed, the method could significantly reduce a person’s body temperature.
Tuesday’s highs were 103F (39.4C) in Las Vegas, Nevada; 104F (40C) in Phoenix; and 106F (41.1C) in Bullhead City, Arizona. The highest temperatures recorded in California were 104F (40C) in Palm Springs, 108F (42.2C) in Needles, and 112F (44.4C) at Furnace Creek in Death Valley.
