Medical Experts Advise Cold Water Immersion for Heat Stroke

Why it matters locally: Given California's recent and projected heatwaves, particularly in inland and desert regions, the guidance on cold water immersion for heat stroke offers critical information for emergency responders and the public in preventing severe health outcomes.

Experts suggest that immersing individuals experiencing heat stroke in cold water can substantially improve their chances of survival. This method also works to decrease the potential for long-term health complications, particularly if applied before an ambulance arrives. Temperatures across parts of the Southern and Western United States have recently risen. As a result, medical and public health officials have issued guidance regarding heat-related illnesses. One image from Redvale, Colorado, captured on July 17, 2026, shows Mark Ragsdale refilling a stock tank. The photograph illustrates efforts to manage conditions during periods of high heat.