Arizona Burn Center sees 25% increase in contact burn patients this summer

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Despite this year’s July not being quite as hot as last year’s record heat, the Arizona Burn Center said it’s been treating a lot of contact burn patients this summer.

The Valleywise clinic has seen up to 25% more patients compared to last year, and it’s still trying to figure out why.

So far, the Arizona Burn Center has reported the following:

• 75 to 85 admissions to inpatient clinic
• Several times the amount of inpatient admissions in its outpatient clinic
• Six people died from contact burn injuries

According to director Dr. Kevin Foster, the clinic has treated a lot of people who have fallen to the ground on their backs. Dr. Foster said there’s also been an increase in treating older men, who are mostly unhoused, and their ages range from 60 to 90 years old.

“We’re anticipating that we will probably have about 150 or 160 patients total who will require hospitalization, and I’m hoping we don’t hit the same number of deaths that we had, but we’re certainly heading in that direction unfortunately,” he said.

Dr. Foster told Arizona’s Family there has always been a misunderstanding about hot surfaces and the severity of contact burns. With more extreme heat ahead this weekend, Dr. Foster said it’s important to remember this when being outside.

“In Arizona, where we have bright direct sunlight and really hot temperatures, that’s sort of a perfect storm to make surfaces hot, and you know black asphalt on a hot July afternoon in Phoenix, Arizona, can reach 170, even 180 degrees, which is a few degrees below boiling,” he said.

Dr. Foster said contact burns are completely preventable, and it’s important to know some tips to stay safe:

• Stay inside during peak hours
• Know where your loved ones are at all times
• Be aware of metal door knobs exposed to sunlight
• Don’t use playground equipment if not shaded
• Cool down the car before driving
• Avoid alcohol and other substances in the heat
• Wear light, loose-fitted clothing, durable shoes and sunblock to protect your skin
• Stay hydrated

If you or a loved one has burn injuries that are bigger than your palm or too severe for you to handle, call 911, and first responders will take you to the Arizona Burn Center for treatment.

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