An Arizona woman, 82-year-old Betty-Lou Summer, suffered life-threatening heat stroke and third-degree burns after falling asleep in the sun during a 105-degree day at her community pool.
Incident Details
Summer had been lounging in a chair with metal armrests on June 11 when she drifted off. She was found about an hour later, unconscious, blistered, and severely overheated, her daughter Michelle Gabbert told NBC affiliate 12 News.
Neighbors rushed to help: “They covered her with wet towels, dragged her into the shade, and called 911,” Gabbert recalled.
Summer was taken to the hospital, where doctors intubated her and diagnosed organ failure. Her internal temperature had climbed to 104 degrees.
Recovery and Warning
Summer is expected to stay in the burn center for at least another month, and a fundraiser has been created to help cover medical expenses. Gabbert is urging others to take extreme heat seriously, especially seniors and children.
Staying safe in extreme heat comes down to hydration, timing, shade, and protection — and most people underestimate how fast heat illness can set in.
Hydrate often: Drink water throughout the day; avoid alcohol and limit caffeine. Stay out of peak sun: The highest-risk hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seek shade: Even short breaks out of direct sun reduce heat stress.
Dress for the heat: Wear loose, light-colored clothing and a wide-brim hat. Use sunscreen: SPF 30+ and reapply every two hours. Know warning signs: Dizziness, nausea, confusion, and hot, dry skin signal danger.
Check on vulnerable people: Seniors, kids, and those with medical conditions are at higher risk.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
