"Searing Sidewalks: The Terrifying Injuries Caused by Extreme Heat in the US"
The recent heatwaves in the US, fueled by the climate crisis, have led to a surge in heat-related injuries and deaths. One particular type of injury on the rise is contact burns from superheated pavements and urban surfaces. In Phoenix, temperatures reached at least 110F for 31 consecutive days this summer, causing severe burns even on a 98F day. The Arizona Burn Center has treated 85 serious cases of contact burns from June to mid-August, approaching the record of 92 cases in 2020. Contact burns can have devastating effects, with deep burns that can cause internal injuries and systemic complications. The healing process is lengthy, and hospital stays can be prolonged. The most vulnerable groups include the young, elderly, unhoused individuals, and those under the influence of drugs or alcohol.