Las Vegas NowHeat Wave Blamed for Deaths

Heat Wave Blamed for Deaths

Contact Reporter Chris Saldaña

The scorching temperatures are proving deadly for some people. So far a total of seven people have died as a result of the heat in Southern Nevada.

There are still at least six other deaths where the exact cause of death is pending but they too could be heat related. The hot temperatures are keeping emergency rooms on constant stand by.

"We're looking for a break or anticipating that we may see a lot more than we've already seen," said Doctor Dale Carrison, University Medical Center. He knows first hand about the deaths and illnesses the summer heat can cause.

He says the Clark County coroner's findings on deaths this year related to the sun and hot temperatures are not shocking. "No, I'm not surprised.  In Nevada, it's hot in the summer. We have this extensive heat warning, after many days people lose their reserve," said Dr. Carrison.

And as the heat is seen and felt throughout the valley, Dr. Carrison says, UMC hasn't really treated the number of patients he expected to see.

"Heat related, we're seeing 3 to 5 a day in our emergency room department." Complaints include everything from minor headaches to more severe chest pains. While three to five patients complaining of heat illness may not seem like many for emergency room personal, Dr. Carrison says it still is an increase.

"That's not norm, that's more than usual but it's not a dramatic spike." He adds, "If I'm seeing 10 to 15 a day then I'm really concerned."

Multiply that by all the emergency room departments in the valley and now you're talking about a lot of people. Heat does not discriminate. The age range of those who have died because of the heat this year is from a 25-year-old, being the youngest, to a 91-year-old, being the oldest.