As extreme heat grips the South and West, here's how to stay safe

Experts say immersion in cold water before an ambulance arrives can greatly increase the chances of heat stroke survival and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

<img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3826x2551+0+0/resize/3826x2551!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F07%2Fc8%2Fb491846e47f39f1d5bf1026baf77%2Fap26204620552684.jpg' alt='Mark Ragsdale refills a stock tank, July 17, 2026 in Redvale, Colo.'/><p>Experts say immersion in cold water before an ambulance arrives can greatly increase the chances of heat stroke survival and reduce the risk of long-term complications.</p><p>(Image credit: Brittany Peterson)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5910515' />