Golden Sun eXtra Your Local News Source, Mohave County, AZ

Officials at Valley View Medical Center in Mohave County have confirmed that at least six individuals have received varying treatments for heat-related medical issues in the past week. Three occurred Wednesday, and some of the patients had body temperatures of 106 and 107 degrees. Hospital officials expect more cases as the heat wave continues.

The six include both men and women ranging in age from 51 to 68 with conditions varying from dehydration and heat exhaustion to pulmonary problems, altered mental status and heat stroke. Five were transported by paramedics from the Bullhead City, Fort Mojave Mesa and Mohave Valley Fire Departments, and one came by private vehicle. Two of the patients were admitted, one was transferred to another hospital due to additional complications and three were treated and released. One of the patients had been seen 10 days earlier with heat-related complications.

Thursday’s high unofficially topped 120 degrees in Ft. Mohave while the entire Tri-State area is under an excessive heat warning from the National Weather Service. Valley View is just south of Bullhead City in western Mohave County.

Dr. Tressa Naik (pron: NAY-yik), Valley View’s medical director of emergency services, reminded people or caregivers to call 911 immediately if there are signs of chest pain or an altered mental state from the heat.

“If they’re feeling dizzy, lethargic, sweaty, nauseous, flushed, or have muscle cramps or signs of heat exhaustion, they should take immediate precautions,” she said. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to drink water. Gatorade can help restore electrolytes. Cut back on the caffeine and alcohol, because those can actually dehydrate you.”

At least two of the people brought to Valley View had no air conditioning, and a third had a broken air conditioner. Valley View’s top maintenance official said some simple tips can head off air conditioning problems before they occur.

“Air conditioning units are under stress in high temperatures, especially any time we reach or exceed 105 degrees,” said Ben Jones, the hospital’s plant operations and facilities director. “You’re also stressing the electrical components. The units should be serviced once before the summer and once before the winter. But just changing air conditioner and furnace filters will help keep the air moving freely … a clogged filter can lead to a lot of other problems.”

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