Phoenix, Arizona, has adopted cold-water immersion to fend off the effects of extreme heat, the Guardian reported. Heat stroke victims are placed in ice-filed bags on their way to the hospital to reduce body temperatures quickly. Phoenix-area hospitals have adopted this as their go-to protocol.
“Just last week, we had a critical patient that we were able to bring back before we walked through the emergency room doors. That’s our goal — to improve patient survivability,” said John Prato, a Phoenix-area fire captain.
Phoenix saw 31 straight days at or above 110 degrees Fahrenheit last summer, claiming over 400 lives, the Guardian reported. In total, Phoenix saw 54 days at or beyond 110 degrees Fahrenheit.