An elderly woman, aged 82, sustained severe burns down to the muscle and bone after accidentally falling asleep while sunbathing, as reported by her daughter. Betty Lou Summer was enjoying the sun at the Johnson Ranch community pool in San Tan Valley on June 11 when she drifted off to sleep under the scorching Arizona sun. Passers-by found her unconscious, suffering from extreme heat stroke and covered in third-degree burns.
Summer’s daughter, Michelle Gabbert, described the extent of her mother’s injuries, stating that the burns affected the entire front of her body, reaching down to the muscle and bone. Prompt action was taken to cool her down with wet towels and move her to a shaded area before she was rushed to the Valleywise Burn Center. Doctors discovered liver and kidney damage along with severe shock.
Around 30% of Summer’s body was burned, not only due to sun exposure but also because parts of her body had direct contact with a metal chair. Her daughter mentioned specific injuries, like her pinky tip being completely burned off where it touched the chair.
Summer, who had recently retired, required immediate medical intervention, including being placed on a ventilator and dialysis. She underwent multiple surgeries to remove the burnt skin and is expected to spend at least a month in the hospital’s burns unit. Further skin grafts will be necessary as her tissue heals.
Gabbert, a doctor herself, highlighted the challenges her mother faces due to her age. Older individuals have thinner skin, less fat underneath the skin, slower healing abilities, and struggle with temperature regulation, making recovery more difficult.
In an effort to raise awareness about sun safety, Gabbert shared her mother’s story, emphasizing the importance of sun protection measures such as sunscreen, protective clothing, and staying hydrated when outdoors. She expressed her shock at her family’s ordeal and urged others to take precautions.
For those wishing to support Summer’s recovery, a GoFundMe page has been set up for donations.
