Historic Heat Wave

425 people suffered heat related deaths in metro Phoenix last year.

 

That is a significant increase over 2020 and 2021. 2020 had a 70% increase over 2019. The number could increase this year with the higher numbers of homeless people. Homeless, elderly and chronically ill people are most likely to die or be hospitalized because of heat. But NO ONE IS IMMUNE TO HEAT ILLNESS.

 

Heat-related illnesses are progressive, ranging from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions.

 

Heat cramps are the earliest sign of heat illness. These are hard, tense and painful muscle cramps of the hands, calves, feet, thighs or arms.

 

Heat exhaustion can occur as a result of a rising internal temperature and dehydration. Signs of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, presyncope, headache, fatigue and heavy sweating.

 

Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency with a fatality rate of up to 71%. Therefore, it requires immediate medical attention and intervention.

 

 

Sources:

 

 

By American Safety & Health Institute

Who Is At Greater Risk of Heat Illness?

 

Infants and young children up to 4 years of age

Older adults aged 65 and older

People who work in a humid environment or do outdoor work or exercise (e.g. athletes, military personnel, workers who wear protective clothing like firefighters, etc.)

People who are overweight or have existing medical conditions (e.g. diabetes or heart disease)

Low-income and socially isolated individuals

 

For those exposed to hot temperatures, preventing heat-related emergencies can be achieved with three very simple actions early on: water, rest and shade.

Drinking plenty of fluids and resting from the heat in shady areas are some of the best ways to prevent heat illness.

Other protective measures include wearing sunscreen and appropriate clothing (choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colors) and staying in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. Public spaces, such as a shopping mall, public library or movie theater, are great places to escape to if you don’t have air conditioning at home.

 

It’s best to schedule the heaviest workload and other outdoor activities when it’s the coolest, such as the early morning and evening. If possible, rotate tasks among workers to help minimize overexertion and heat exposure.

 

 

 

Click here to view the Valley’s Heat Relief Network (cooling centers, respite centers, hydration stations, donation sites)

 

Additional Resources

 

 

 

 

In every CPR / First Aid class we teach we cover symptoms to watch for and how to react to emergencies such as heat related illness. We want our students to feel like they have the skills to react to a wide of range of emergencies.

 

PLUS!!!!  All of our classes are indoors with air conditioning!! You can stay cool and learn how to be a guardian angel. Click here to see the upcoming schedule.