Preventing heat-related deaths as temperatures rise near triple digits

Ways to stay safe as scorching summer looms

(CHANDLER, Ariz. – May 13, 2022) – An emergency medicine physician at Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center warns that Arizona’s dangerous triple digit temperatures can pose a serious threat to seasoned desert dwellers and thousands of new residents each year, making it vitally important to protect yourself and those around you in the approaching summer months.

“It takes time for all of us to acclimate to the extreme heat, but those who aren’t used to it, often learn the hard way,” said Dr. Erik Mattison, director of the emergency department at Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center, who has treated many patients for heat-related illness throughout his career. “It is essential to take simple measures to stay safe and avoid suffering a heat-related illness or death.”

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health reported a record 339 heat-related deaths in 2021, up 70 percent from 2019. According to county statistics, those most at risk of suffering a heat-related death were between the ages of 50 and 65 followed by those between 35 and 49 years old.

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