Tourist suffers third-degree burns from walking in Death Valley

Due to language barriers, park rangers were unable to ascertain whether the 42-year-old Belgian tourist’s footwear was broken or misplaced. After the incident, the tourist’s family sought help from other visitors to carry him to a nearby parking area.

Given the severity of his burns and pain, park rangers quickly determined that he needed immediate medical attention.

However, attempts to airlift him to a hospital were thwarted by the extreme heat as high temperature did not allow for an emergency helicopter to land in the valley.

Instead, rangers transported him to a higher elevation in an ambulance, where he was then airlifted to the University Medical Center in Las Vegas, known for its Lions Burn Care Center, which treats numerous patients for similar injuries during the hot summer months.

With air temperatures soaring to 123°F (50.5°C) that day, the ground temperature would have been significantly higher, causing severe burns to the tourist’s feet.

Third-degree burns, which destroy both layers of skin and can affect deeper tissues, are particularly severe. The burned area typically appears white or charred and lacks sensation due to the destruction of nerve endings.

Just weeks earlier, a motorcyclist succumbed to heat exposure in the same region, where temperatures soared to 128°F.

Death Valley has experienced 20 days of temperatures exceeding 120°F this month, making it one of the hottest places on Earth.

Park rangers strongly recommend that visitors avoid hiking in the valley after 10 a.m. and stay within a 10-minute walk of an air-conditioned vehicle.

To reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries, they advise staying hydrated, eating salty snacks, and wearing protective clothing, such as hats and sunscreen.

Despite the extreme conditions, the park has seen a surge in visitors, with over a million people visiting in 2023.

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