Cold Water Immersion Program for Heat Stroke
SUN CITY, AZ — August 18, 2026 — The Sun City Fire & Medical Department has launched a new Cold Water Ice Immersion Program designed to provide rapid, aggressive cooling for patients suffering from severe heat stroke. Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency in which the body's temperature regulation system becomes overwhelmed.
Under the new protocol, patients who are significantly altered and have a body temperature greater than 104°F may be placed into specially designed immersion bags containing approximately 40–50 pounds of ice. The goal is to rapidly reduce the patient's body temperature and limit the potentially devastating effects of severe heat stroke. Residents are reminded that heat stroke is a medical emergency.
As part of this new initiative, Banner Boswell Medical Center has partnered with the Sun City Fire & Medical Department to support the implementation of this lifesaving procedure and help improve outcomes for patients experiencing severe heat illness.
“This program represents another important step in our commitment to providing our community with the most effective, evidence-based emergency medical care available,” said Fire Chief Rob Schmitz. “When a patient is experiencing severe heat stroke, rapid cooling can be lifesaving. Our crews are prepared to act quickly and aggressively when these patients meet the criteria for ice immersion.”
The program is particularly important during Arizona's extreme summer temperatures, when heat-related emergencies can become life-threatening within a short period of time.
This program was funded with a donation received from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona. BCBS is committed to community involvement and support of training for heat related emergencies in Arizona.
The Sun City Fire & Medical Department encourages residents to take precautions during extreme heat, including staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest portions of the day, checking on vulnerable family members and neighbors, and never leaving children, older adults, or pets in hot vehicles.
Live Training with demonstration will occur on
August 20th from 1-4 pm
August 28th from 9a-1 pm
Media Contact:
Sun City Fire & Medical Department
623-974-2321
khenson@scfmd.az.gov
