Arizona teen hailed for helping save woman with dementia wandering in 103F heat | Arizona
The Arizona fire department is officially honoring a 14-year-old boy who recently helped save an elderly woman with dementia after she strayed for miles off the road in potentially lethal temperatures, saying the teen showed “heroism…quick thinking and compassion.”
Royal Cothrun was riding her bike in the town of Gilbert in June when she encountered Theresa Morgan, who was trying to walk in 103F (39.4C) temperatures with a shopping bag from one arm and a purse hanging from the other, authorities and the local news outlet reported. KNXV.
Cothrun later told KNXV that he slowed down to talk to Morgan because “it looked like there was something wrong.”
“I knew it was hot,” Cothrun told the outlet. “He was sweating.”
It was revealed that Morgan, who turned 76 in July, was recently diagnosed with dementia. He had become disoriented on his way home after visiting a grocery store; This constituted a serious emergency considering that staying in temperatures above 100F for long periods of time could cause life-threatening illness.
“I don’t think there are any apartments around here; I can tell you that,” Cothrun is heard saying in a video of an ongoing conversation with Morgan recorded by his smart glasses. “Yes, I can look at it on my phone if you want.”
Cothrun eventually escorted Morgan to a shadow location, where he helped her remember her son’s phone number. He then called his son Jeff Morgan and updated him on Theresa’s condition.
The child stayed with Theresa until Jeff and Gilbert’s fire and rescue department arrived and took her to safety.
According to information released by authorities, the heat wave caused by the climate crisis, which scorched some parts of the USA with record temperatures from June to early July, played a role in the deaths of at least two dozen people.
In a report first published July 9, Jeff told KNXV that he believes Cothrun’s kindness may have actually saved his mother’s life.
“It’s really incredible what he did,” Jeff told KNXV. “He’s so lucky, so lucky that he met her and cared enough to stay with her and take care of her.”
Gilbert fire and rescue department followed suit with Theresa’s son in a statement to the Guardian on Friday, explaining that confusion or sudden disorientation is a serious warning sign that someone may be on the verge of heatstroke; This condition can be fatal if not treated immediately.
A battalion chief with the department added that the agency was “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 very real dangers posed by Arizona’s extreme heat,” said Ryan McHugh, Gilbert fire and rescue battalion chief. “His actions remind us all to remain vigilant and look out for each other, especially during the summer months when heat-related illnesses can be life-threatening.”
