Phoenix, AZ — Phoenix endured its hottest June on record, reflecting an escalating trend in extreme temperatures plaguing the area. As the city grapples with the implications of this surge in heat, the healthcare system is seeing a notable uptick in heat-related health issues.
Temperatures last month frequently soared past 110 degrees Fahrenheit, with the mercury at one point climbing to a scorching 117 degrees. Such extreme conditions are not just uncomfortable but hazardous, transforming everyday surfaces like sidewalks into potential health risks. According to local health officials, these surfaces can heat up to between 160 and 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Arizona Burn Center—Valleywise Health reported that, over the summer, they have already treated 30 patients for serious burns received from contact with superheated surfaces. The treatment for such injuries is often intensive, involving multiple surgeries and possibly months of hospitalization followed by years of therapy.
Comparatively, the number of severe burn cases is rising, with the center admitting 136 patients between June and August, a significant increase from the 85 cases recorded over the same period in 2022.
Dr. Kevin Foster, director of Burn Services at the Arizona Burn Center—Valleywise Health, explained that thermal burns from hot surfaces can occur in as little as 10 to 20 minutes. He pointed out that people often underestimate the temperature of urban landscapes. “It’s really important to remember that items, like metal door handles or seat belts, can reach near-boiling temperatures if left under the sun,” Foster advised.
Aside from causing burns, the city’s soaring night-time temperatures also complicate recovery. Phoenix experienced several nights where temperatures did not drop below the 90s, offering little relief from the oppressive heat.
The vulnerability of certain populations, such as the homeless and the elderly, increases significantly under such conditions. These individuals are especially at risk of burns or other heat-related ailments that can lead to fainting or falls while outdoors.
Moreover, Maricopa County has already reported 11 heat-related deaths this year, an increase from the previous year, with another 164 heat-related deaths currently under investigation. These figures have been increasing since Maricopa County Public Health began tracking heat-associated fatalities in 2006. The data gathered is crucial for identifying at-risk populations and strategizing preventative measures.
Assistant Medical Director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Nick Staab, emphasized the significance of their findings. “Using our data, including demographics and circumstances of heat-related deaths, we partner with a variety of organizations to address and mitigate these risks,” Staab stated.
The tracking efforts have expanded recently to include not only data on outdoor heat exposure but also the conditions relating to indoor heat deaths, particularly whether the victims had functioning air conditioning.
This year’s harsh temperatures serve as a reminder of the increasing challenges that extreme weather can pose, and the growing imperative for coordinated public health responses.