Phoenix Man Suffers Severe Burns and Amputation After Collapsing on Hot Sidewalk
Ron Falk, a 62-year-old man from Phoenix, is still recovering a year after collapsing on the searing asphalt outside a convenience store during a heatwave. Falk lost his right leg and had extensive skin grafting on the left due to heat stroke. Now using a wheelchair, he is recovering at a medical respite center for patients with no other place to go.
Surface burns from hot asphalt and playground equipment are posing risks for residents in Southwest cities like Phoenix, where temperatures have been reaching record highs. Last year, the Valleywise Health Medical Center in Phoenix admitted 136 patients for surface burns alone during the summer, with a significant portion of them being homeless individuals.
Las Vegas, another city with scorching summer temperatures, has also seen a rise in hospitalizations for surface burns this year. Victims of these burns include children, older adults, and homeless individuals who are at a higher risk due to prolonged exposure to hot surfaces.
Experts are urging caution and recommending measures to prevent heat-related injuries, such as wearing protective gear like booties for pets and staying hydrated in extreme heat. As the summer continues, it is crucial for residents to be aware of the dangers posed by hot surfaces and take necessary precautions to avoid severe burns and long-term injuries.
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