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Increasing Risks of Contact Burns Amidst Rising Global Temperatures
A recent incident involving a man treated for severe burns has brought attention to the escalating health risks associated with extreme heat. In the burn unit, medical personnel promptly administered pain relief, cleaned the affected areas, applied a topical antibiotic, and covered the burns with antimicrobial foam dressings. At a later follow-up, the wounds were observed to be healing well, with no apparent complications.
However, the author of the accompanying case study, Jeremy Hess, an authority in emergency medicine and global environmental health from the University of Washington, cautioned that the frequency of such injuries is expected to rise as climate change progresses. He emphasized that “extreme heat events increase the risk of contact burns from hot surfaces in the environment.” Vulnerable groups such as young children, seniors, the unhoused, and those dealing with substance use disorders are particularly susceptible to these dangerous conditions.
Supporting this perspective, a report from The New York Times highlighted that burn treatment facilities in the southwestern United States have noted a significant increase in cases involving burns from contact with hot pavement during periods of extreme heat. Tragically, under dire circumstances such as heat stroke, overdoses, or severe intoxication, these burns can lead to fatal outcomes if individuals lose consciousness on scorching surfaces. Clifford Sheckter, a surgeon and burn prevention researcher at Stanford University, illustrated the grim reality by stating, “Your body just literally sits there and cooks,” adding that by the time help arrives, those affected might already be suffering from critical organ failure.
As climate conditions continue to worsen, it is imperative to recognize the heightened danger posed by extreme heat and to take proactive measures to prevent heat-related injuries, especially for the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Source
arstechnica.com