A 14-year-old Arizona boy helped save an elderly woman with dementia who was wandering in 103-degree heat, and officials warned that sudden confusion could be a sign of heat stroke World News

As much of the western and central United States and Western Europe and Central Asia face dangerous, record-breaking heat waves, the quick thinking of a 14-year-old Arizona teen is making headlines and drawing attention. The Arizona Fire Marshal will formally pay tribute to Royal Coslen, an elderly woman with dementia who went miles off route in potentially fatal heat and helped save her, saying the teenager showed “heroism… quick thinking and compassion.”According to authorities and local news outlet KNXV, Cothren was riding her bike in Gilbert Township in June when she encountered Teresa Morgan, who was struggling to walk in 103-degree heat with a shopping bag hanging from one arm and a purse hanging from the other. He later told KNXV that he slowed down his conversation with Morgan because “she looked like something was wrong.”It turns out that Morgan, who turned 76 in July this year, was recently diagnosed with dementia. She became disoriented on her way home from a grocery store trip, which constituted a serious emergency considering that prolonged exposure to temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit can cause life-threatening illness.“I don’t think there are any apartments around here — I can tell you that,” Coslen said in a video of a subsequent conversation with Morgan that was captured by his smart glasses. “Yeah, I can check it out on my phone if you want.”Coslen eventually walked the woman to the shade and helped her remember her son’s phone number. He then called her son, Jeff Morgan, to let him know about Teresa. The boy stayed with Teresa until Jeff and the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department arrived to take over and take her to safety.In a report published on July 9, Jeff told the outlet that he believed Coslen’s kindness may have actually saved his mother’s life. “It’s really unbelievable what he’s done,” Jeff told KNXV. “It’s so lucky, so lucky that he met her and that he cared about her enough to be there for her and take care of her.”

heat wave and chaos

A heat wave triggered by the climate crisis scorched parts of the United States in June and early July, setting record temperatures and killing at least two dozen people, according to a release from officials. In a statement to The Guardian, Gilbert Fire and Rescue explained that confusion or sudden disorientation is a serious warning sign that someone may be on the verge of heat stroke, which can be fatal if not handled properly.If you encounter someone who appears disoriented or confused, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. While waiting for help, move the victim to a cool area, remove unnecessary clothing, and try applying an ice pack to the neck, or fanning or misting the victim’s body with water. Avoid giving them fluids or fever-reducing medications, as these may cause suffocation and other complications.A battalion chief with the department added that the agency is “proud to recognize Royal’s heroism” and plans to honor him at the Aug. 11 Town Council meeting. “Royal’s quick thinking and compassion not only protected vulnerable members of our community, but also highlighted the real dangers posed by extreme heat in Arizona,” said Gilbert Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Ryan McHugh. “His actions are a reminder for us all to stay vigilant and look after each other, especially during the summer months when heat-related illnesses can be life-threatening.“

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Arizona teen saves woman from heatCaring for a hot old manDanger of extreme heatdementia awarenessgilbertgilbert fire departmentHeat stroke warning signHigh temperature safety for the elderlyRecord heat wave hits U.S.