Man found dead at hospital, possibly caused by heat

By Shine Salt

KPHO.com (Online)

Posted: Jun 28, 2011 8:14 AM MSTA

40-year-old man was found dead on the ground at Paradise Valley Hospital on Monday, a death police said could be blamed on the heat.

Phoenix firefighters leaving the hospital near 39th Street and Bell Road said they found the man with bottles littered around him, but no trauma, and officials said they are unsure if he was dropped off or brought to the hospital.

Firefighters said the victim appeared to be in his 30s. Randall Baltzer of the Phoenix Police Department said a bottle of alcohol was found on the man and likely contributed to his death.“

Alcohol does not do well for those exposed to the heat. Alcohol dehydrates the body and makes exposure to the heat worse,” Baltzer said.Another possible heat death involved Dave Ralston, 62, who died June 22 when his internal core reached 109 degrees. Police said he fell over while working in a storage room with a friend and blood started running from his mouth.

Ralston had health issues and didn’t complain about overheating, officials said.Heat season approaches from May to October and according to Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

In 2010 there were 80 heat-related deaths, the highest since 2006, which had 85.Seventy-five percent were males, 21 percent homeless, 70 percent occurred outdoors, and about 40 percent were associated with drug and alcohol use, the department of health said. This year, there have been three related deaths and three under investigation.

Older adults are more likely to die from heat indoors and often have less tolerance to heat due to other medical conditions, Rebecca Sunenshine, a career epidemiology field officer said.

To prevent heat related incidents, the department of public health said to limit time outdoors, especially physical activities, drink lots of water and to spend much time under shade.

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