Death Valley National Park warning visitors to be cautions during this record-breaking heat wave

The Desert Southwest is experiencing a record breaking, prolonged heat wave. Folks in the region must be careful to protect themselves from the dangerous high temperatures, especially in Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley national park
Each year, millions flock to Death Valley National Park to experience the unique landscape.

Death Valley, CA aptly named for the dangerous, life-threatening heat that plagues the park, has seen extremely high temperatures over the past several days. Already, scorching temperatures have taken victims, killing one and leaving 5 others in distress. Extreme heat is incredibly common in the desert southwest and is what draws the millions of visitors each year to Death Valley Park.

Millions of guests wanting to experience heat unlike any other

Death Valley is in the middle of a record-breaking heat streak with highs not dipping below 125°F since the Fourth of July. Visitors headed to the park hoping to experience this extreme heat, putting themselves at risk of dangerous heat related illnesses.

Among these visitors this week were a group of six motorcyclists who were visiting the park on Saturday. 4 of the group were treated on the scene for heat distress, but two were in more serious condition and needed transport to a nearby hospital.

However, the superheated air is too thin for helicopters to fly in, so much slower ambulances were dispatched to the scene. Unfortunately, it was too late for one biker as paramedics were unable to resuscitate him. The other was transported to a Las Vegas intensive care unit.

People recognize the risk but don’t take the necessary precautions

Signs are posted all over Death Valley National Park warning visitors of the dangerous heat the area is known for. However, studies have shown that despite majority of people knowing how to protect themselves from extreme heat, many do not actually take the precautions to protect themselves.

In over 125-degree heat, there is only so much the human body can do to lower its temperature. Constant hydration is not enough to fully combat the prolonged exposure to extreme heat, especially if the person is partaking in physical activity during high temperatures.

Park officials warn visitors to never hike after 10 am during extreme heat days and to always stay within 5 minutes of air conditioning.

Heat exhaustion is felt once the body’s internal temperature reaches over 101 degrees. At this point the organs are tried from working hard to maintain a temperature of 98 degrees and dizziness and confusion starts to kick in.

Heat stroke
Treatment for heat stroke involves cooling the body as quickly as possible, usually including icing the body.

This makes heat exhaustion that much more difficult as the confusion makes it difficult to recognize the symptoms and take action to cool the body. This is why park officials recommend staying in groups during extreme heat days, your friends are more likely to recognize the danger and take action to cool you down.

If no action is taken, the body will continue to heat up, increasing risk of heat stroke. Once the body reaches over 104 degrees, the nervous system will shut down. This is when heat illness can turn fatal if not treated right away.

Douglas Casa, a leader in treating heatstroke says, “If the body can cool to under 104 within 30 minutes of the presentation of the condition …there is a 100% chance of survivability.”

Park officials are constantly diligent to protect their guests from the dangerous heat the park is known for. They urge visitors to maintain the same level of diligence to reduce the risk of succumbing to the high temperatures.

News Reference:

"How Death Valley National Park tries to keep visitors alive amid record heat"https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-07-11/death-valley-extreme-heat