In Maricopa County, Arizona, 322 deaths suspected to be linked to the record-breaking heat wave this summer are being investigated, a significant increase from last year. Almost 100 of these deaths occurred in a single week when temperatures reached 118 degrees. The county has reported 23 confirmed heat-related deaths so far, with 70% of victims being male and many involving drugs or alcohol. The excessive heat warning in the Southwest continues, with temperatures expected to reach 116 degrees in Phoenix.
In an effort to combat the heat-related deaths, Maricopa County has established cooling centers and offers free transport to those in need. Firefighters have been using ice immersion bags to treat heatstroke victims and lower body temperatures. The city of Mesa has seen the most heat-related deaths in the county, and last year, there were 579 confirmed and 56 suspected heat-related deaths in Maricopa.
The Department of Health and Human Services reported that a quarter of last year’s heat-related deaths happened indoors, with faulty air conditioning units contributing to two-thirds of those cases. Maricopa County launched a heat dashboard in May to better track and monitor illness and death related to extreme temperatures. The county urges residents to take precautions during the excessive heat warning and to seek help if needed.
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