A European tourist recently experienced severe burns on his feet while visiting Death Valley National Park, a popular destination known for its extreme temperatures. The incident occurred when the man lost his flip-flops and was forced to walk barefoot on scorching sand dunes as temperatures reached 123 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday, according to park officials.
The 42-year-old Belgian national suffered third-degree burns after walking on the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in the midst of such extreme heat. The exact circumstances surrounding how he lost his footwear are unclear due to a language barrier; however, it was likely a result of either losing them or having them break off as he trekked across the hot sand.
Other park visitors came to his aid and carried him to a nearby parking lot after his family called for assistance. Park rangers assessed the situation and determined that due to the severity of the man’s burns and the intense pain he was experiencing, he needed immediate hospitalization.
However, helicopter transportation was not possible at the time because it was too hot for a helicopter to safely land in the area. Instead, an ambulance transported him to a higher elevation where temperatures were slightly cooler (109 degrees Fahrenheit. From there, he was picked up by a helicopter and taken to University Medical Center in Las Vegas for treatment.
Death Valley National Park officials have urged visitors to exercise caution when visiting the park during extreme heat conditions. They advise tourists to stay within a 10-minute walk of an air-conditioned vehicle and not venture out on hikes after 10 a.m., when temperatures are at their peak. As one park ranger told the Los Angeles Times, even tap water in the park can reach scalding temperatures due to the extreme heat underground. To help mitigate this issue, staff will sometimes turn off hot water heaters to cool down tap water to a more tolerable 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The park’s reputation as the hottest place on Earth has been well-earned this summer, with temperatures consistently reaching triple digits. However, such extreme heat can pose significant risks to visitors if proper precautions are not taken. In light of these dangers, park officials continue to emphasize the importance of safety and preparedness for all who choose to explore the unforgiving landscapes of Death Valley National Park.
