Just last week a 10-year-old boy died as a result of heat illness.  It can impact any family, any person.  PLEASE be aware and be prepared. 

Another Historic Heat Wave

Predictions are that Phoenix, indeed all of Arizona, will again break records with high temperatures this summer.

645 people suffered heat related deaths in Maricopa County last year. In the mid-2010s, Maricopa reported 60-180 heat deaths per year. 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.

What Is 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:
Maricopa County Dept of Public Health – 2023 Heat Related Deaths Report

 

Best Practices for Preventing Heat-Related Emergencies

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

How to Prevent a Heat Related Emergency

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 read the full article

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

Additional Resources

Proposed Rule from OSHA to protect Outdoor and Indoor Workers from Extreme Heat

Under the proposed rule, employers in certain jobs would have to establish a heat safety coordinator for the workplace and develop procedures for responding to symptoms of heat illness. The rule is currently in the 120 day public comment period.

Ready.gov

CDC

Mayo

HSSE World Training Video

Should you have any questions, call Deanna Young, founder of Staying Alive LLC. Deanna provides CPR and First Aid training.  She will gladly answer your questions!  Look at her classes on her website to be trained as a Guardian Angel.

Deanna Young

Website/Class Schedule

Phone: 480-205-0350