As Arizona continues to endure blistering summer temperatures, the adverse effects on residents have materialized in painful and stark realities. Ampharos Solis, a grandmother from Wickenberg, is recovering from second-degree burns she suffered on her feet, having walked on a sizzling pavement. The burns took under two minutes to form due to high ground temperatures, which were nearly 20 degrees hotter than the air. Her Type 1 diabetes, resulting in neuropathy, meant she couldn't feel the heat, leading to her injuries. This distressing incident was reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.
Complications from the burn injuries have made it difficult for Solis to engage in everyday activities, and fears of infection possibly leading to amputation loom. Solis's diligent family has rallied to her aid, managing her sugar levels and dressings. "Right now, there is no time for crying," Solis told FOX 10 Phoenix, expressing a resolve to stay strong.
This is not an isolated phenomenon, as similar instances have been reported. In Phoenix, an 18-month-old boy named Mason unwittingly stepped onto the hot pavement and sustained second-degree burns. The incident was an unpleasant shock to his family, who did not realize he was hurt until hearing his screams of pain. "Yeah, it’s traumatizing. He was in so much pain, and there was nothing we could do. It was horrible. I felt sick the whole day," Mason's mother expressed in a story detailed by The New York Post.
Dr. Kevin Foster from the Arizona Burn Center warns that such injuries are common, especially during the summer months. "It’s not that rare. It happens almost on a daily basis, especially in June, July, and August," Dr. Foster explained to The New York Post. His emphasis rests on the fact that the scorching pavement can rapidly inflict severe damage, with temperatures on these surfaces soaring up to 180 degrees.
Individuals wishing to assist Solis with her recovery can do so through her GoFundMe page. Her family has established the page to help with medical costs, and links can be found in the FOX 10 Phoenix coverage of her story.
