As large parts of the western and central United States, as well as areas across Western Europe and Central Asia, face dangerous, record-breaking heat waves, the quick thinking of a 14-year-old Arizona teen has sparked headlines and awareness.
The Arizona Fire Department will officially honor Royal Cawthorn who helped rescue an elderly woman with dementia after she walked miles off the trail in potentially deadly temperatures, saying the teen showed “heroism… quick thinking and compassion.”Cawthorn was riding his bike in June in the town of Gilbert when he encountered Theresa Morgan struggling to walk in 103-degree Fahrenheit heat with a grocery bag hanging from one arm and a purse from the other, according to authorities as well as reports from local news outlet KNXV.
He later told KNXV that he slowed down talking to Morgan because she “seemed like something was wrong.”It turns out that Morgan, who turned 76 last July, had recently been diagnosed with dementia. She became disoriented on her way home after visiting a grocery store, which constituted a serious emergency since prolonged exposure to heat above 100 degrees Fahrenheit can cause a life-threatening illness.“I don’t think there are any apartments here — I can tell you that,” Cawthorn can be heard saying in a video of the ensuing conversation with Morgan, captured by his smart glasses.
“Yes, I can look it up on my phone if you want me to.”Eventually, Cawthorn accompanied the woman into the shadows, where he helped her remember her son’s phone number. He then called her son, Jeff Morgan, and informed him of the situation with Teresa. The boy stayed with Teresa until Jeff and Gilbert Fire and Rescue arrived to take over and move her to safety.In a report published on July 9, Jeff told the outlet that he believes Cawthorne’s kindness may have actually saved his mother’s life.
“It’s really unbelievable what he did,” Jeff told KNXV. “Just so lucky, so lucky, that he came across her and cared enough to stay with her and take care of her.”
Heat waves and confusion
A heat wave caused by the climate crisis swept parts of the United States with record temperatures in June through early July and led to the deaths of at least two dozen people, according to information released by officials. In a statement to The Guardian, Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department explained that sudden disorientation or disorientation is a serious warning sign that someone may be about to suffer heat stroke, which can be fatal if not treated properly.If you encounter someone who appears confused or disoriented, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. While waiting for help, move the person to a cool, shaded area, remove unnecessary clothing and try to cool them down by using ice packs on the neck or by fanning them or spraying them with water. Avoid giving them fluids or fever-reducing medications as they may cause suffocation and other complications.A battalion commander with the department added that the agency is “proud to recognize Royal’s heroism” and plans to honor him at the Aug. 11 City Council meeting. “Royal’s quick thinking and compassion not only protected a vulnerable member of our community, but also highlighted the real dangers posed by extreme heat in Arizona,” said Gilbert Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Ryan McHugh. “His actions remind us all to stay alert and take care of each other, especially during the summer months when heat-related illnesses can become life-threatening.
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