Condensation occurs when a plastic bag is tied to a green leaf in the sun. After a few hours, you should have safe drinking water in your bag, according to the Educating Children Outdoors instructor. Photo taken during a survival class at his park on Marana Heritage River on October 1st. (Photo credit: Sophie Oppfelt/Cronkite News)
Water can be collected by condensation if a hiker gets stranded. Survivalists also say it’s important to let others know where you’re going before you leave. (Photo credit: Sophie Oppfelt/Cronkite News)
Cathy Balmann of Educating Children Outdoors demonstrates a tourniquet. Using a piece of cloth, tie a knot around the injured limb, get a stick, tie another knot over it, and secure it to the cloth. (Photo credit: Sophie Oppfelt/Cronkite News)
If you are stuck and need to build a shelter, use a tarp or use leaves and sticks on trees and bushes to make a tarp. Shelter is essential to protect yourself from weather and animals. (Photo credit: Sophie Oppfelt/Cronkite News)
On outdoor excursions, it’s important to have multiple ways to start a fire, such as flint or steel. Striking a flint against steel creates sparks that can ignite rags and cotton balls, and can set wood on fire. (Photo credit: Sophie Oppfelt/Cronkite News)
PHOENIX – Arizona’s greatest attractions include stunning scenery and warm desert sun. But if people aren’t prepared for the state’s extreme weather, it can lead to death.
According to the Maricopa County Health Department’s Annual Report on Heat Stroke Deaths, released this month, 339 people will die from heat stroke in 2021. Of these, 75% occurred outdoors and 19% occurred on hiking trails or deserts. county area.
“Most of these deaths actually occurred on days when there were no warnings of excessive heat,” said Ariella Dale, a public health scientist at the county health department.
Heat-related deaths could start as early as April and end as late as October, Dale said. June to August are the months with the highest mortality rates.
Since the county began tracking in 2006, heat stroke deaths have continued to rise. Deaths in 2021 are up 5% from 2020 and up 70% from 2019.
Rising temperatures are not unique to Maricopa County. According to the 2022 Arizona Climate Report, temperatures across Arizona have risen about 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit since the early 20th century. The first 21 years of this century were the warmest on record for the state, according to the report, which draws on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The most important thing to avoid heat stroke in the outdoors is to be prepared, says Cathy Balmann, environmental educator and founder of Educating Children Outdoors, which offers a wide range of nature courses. . The organization, which moved to Arizona in 2019, has created 11 programs for children in three counties and recently launched a survival skills program for adults.
Among the things to keep in mind, Balmain says wear appropriate clothing and long sleeves to help regulate your body temperature, let others know where you’re going, and stay hydrated.
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“Think about the temperature that day,” said Dale. So if anyone in your group is experiencing muscle cramps, headaches, vomiting, is not sweating, or has a rapid heart rate, seek medical attention immediately. ”
Michelle Thompson, Head of Communications and Public Relations Arizona State Parks and TrailsPreserve and protect state parks.
Most of these rescues involve Arizona people who think they can survive the heat and people out of town who don’t understand the dangers of Arizona’s climate, she said.
“Bring more water than you think you’ll need and turn back when you’re half full,” Thompson said.
Stay vigilant, know your limits, and stay calm, Dale said.
