Amid record-breaking temperatures, risks to public health from burns and other exposure are soaring in Phoenix. The city is currently experiencing a run of feverish days and suffocating nights, with temperatures reaching above 110 degrees Fahrenheit for 13 consecutive days, breaking previous records. The city and aid organizations are mobilizing on a large scale to provide relief to vulnerable residents, including the establishment of cooling centers and the distribution of water and ice. Earlier this year, the city also coated 100 miles of pavement with a light gray coating to keep streets cooler. However, despite these efforts, the risks to public health are escalating.
One of the major concerns during these extreme heatwaves is the risk of burns. With pavement temperatures reaching 160 degrees or hotter, people can suffer severe burns by simply walking barefoot. Hospitals and firefighters are treating patients with contact burns, using frigid IV fluids, evaporative cooling fans, and inflatable kayaks filled with ice for relief. The burn center has seen an increase in burn admissions over the past decade, with the number rising from 43 in 2015 to 85 last summer. Elderly people, those under the influence of drugs, and homeless individuals are particularly vulnerable.
In addition to burn-related injuries, heat exhaustion and heatstroke cases are also on the rise. Patients with symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and muscle breakdown are common during the summer months. However, more severe cases can lead to organ failure or brain damage, requiring weeks or months of hospitalization. The current heatwave has resulted in an increase in these cases, with patients being intubated and placed in drug-induced comas.
The rising temperatures and urban sprawl in Phoenix have made life increasingly perilous during the hottest months. Last year, there were 425 heat-related deaths in Maricopa County, a 25 percent increase from the previous year. One-third of these deaths occurred on days when the National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings. As temperatures reach triple digits, hospitals typically see a spike in patients.
Phoenix firefighters are also experiencing a high volume of calls related to heat-related distress, estimating that 10 to 15 percent of their calls are heat-related. The extreme heat poses significant risks to public health, comparable to natural disasters like tornadoes or hurricanes.
As the heatwave continues, officials are urging residents to take precautions and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. The severity and consecutive nature of the high temperatures pose a significant public health risk, and maximum vigilance is required in the community. With the ongoing impact of climate change, it remains uncertain how much hotter it will get in Phoenix and what the implications will be for public health.