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Heat Illness at the Grand Canyon

Heat Illness at the Grand Canyon. LT Jennifer Cheng-Dobson Public Risk Management Program National Park Service USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium 2012 June 20, 2012. Background. American Great Outdoors 50-State Report Grand Canyon National Park 4 million visitors (Apr-Sep)

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Heat Illness at the Grand Canyon

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  1. Heat Illness at the Grand Canyon LT Jennifer Cheng-Dobson Public Risk Management Program National Park Service USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium 2012 June 20, 2012

  2. Background • American Great Outdoors 50-State Report • Grand Canyon National Park • 4 million visitors (Apr-Sep) • >100 (rim) and >120 degrees F (floor) • 7000 feet altitude • 20% of visitors hike in canyon • Heat-related illness

  3. Grand Canyon National Park

  4. Hiking in Grand Canyon

  5. Methods • 6 year retrospective study • Apr 1 – Sep 20, 2004-2009 • EMS run sheets • HRI case criteria: • > 1 hour of heat exposure and • EMS documented two or more HRI symptoms; or • Self-report of HRI

  6. Results • 6 fatal HRI • 83% male • 66.6% between ages 25-65 years • 474 non-fatal HRI • 51% female • Median age: 45 years • 84% US residents • 35% from AZ, CA, CO

  7. Results – cont. Hiking in the Canyon • All fatal • 90% of non-fatal • 46% helicopter rescue • 27% walked • 1% litter carry Evacuation Assistance (25%)

  8. Heat Diagnoses of Visitors with Heat-related Conditions, Apr-Sep, 2004–09 *more than one diagnosis per person, N=475

  9. Limitations • Lack of diagnosis on EMS run sheets • Inconsistent documentation of symptoms • Does not include HRI cases from Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) program

  10. Discussion/Conclusion • Median age of non-fatal HRI: 45 years • 30% in western states • Burden on park staff (EMS/SAR) • Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) program is important • Continue HRI surveillance

  11. Grand Canyon Research Team

  12. Acknowledgements • CDR Sara Newman, DrPH • CDR Rebecca Noe, RN, MPH • EktaChoudhary, PhD • Amy Wolkin, MSPH

  13. LT Jennifer Cheng-Dobson, MPH Injury Prevention Specialist National Park Service Jennifer_cheng@nps.gov (202) 513-7219

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