A 42-year-old Belgian tourist was hospitalized after suffering third-degree burns on his feet while walking in sand dunes in California’s Death Valley National Park. The incident occurred as temperatures soared above 120 degrees, according to the National Park Service.
The man, whose name has not been released, lost his shoes while taking a short walk in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The air temperature was recorded at 123 degrees Fahrenheit, with the ground temperature likely much hotter.
Due to communication challenges, park rangers were unable to determine if the man's flip flops broke or were lost in the sand. The man's family called for help, and other park visitors assisted in carrying him to a parking lot.
Given the severity of his burns and pain level, park rangers decided to transport him to a hospital promptly. Despite initial attempts to airlift him, the extreme heat prevented helicopter transportation. The man was eventually taken to University Medical Center in Las Vegas for treatment.
Third-degree burns can cause significant damage, including destruction of skin layers, bones, muscles, and tendons. The burned area may appear white or charred, with a loss of sensation due to nerve damage.
This incident follows a recent fatality in Death Valley due to heat exposure. The park has experienced record-breaking temperatures, with highs reaching 129 degrees in July. Visitors are reminded to exercise caution and be prepared for extreme heat conditions when visiting Death Valley National Park.
Despite the challenging climate, Death Valley remains a popular tourist destination, attracting over 1.1 million visitors in 2023. The park has seen an increase in emergency medical calls and search-and-rescue requests, emphasizing the importance of visitor safety and preparedness.
With temperatures frequently exceeding 120 degrees, visitors are advised to take necessary precautions and be aware of the extreme heat conditions in Death Valley National Park.
