Ten Hospitalized, Nearly 100 Treated For Dehydration

It was a beautiful day for the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team’s first ever air show performance at the Pikes Peak Regional Air Show at Colorado Springs Airport (KCOS) in Colorado.

However, some guests either lost track of or disregarded admonitions from show organizers to stay hydrated as air temperatures hovered in the low-mid 90s F for most of the day. And down on the ramp it was probably over 100^o F in the afternoon. Close to 100 people were treated by emergency personnel and 10 had to be transported to a nearby hospital for illness related to the heat.

Airport officials said emergency personnel treated the majority of patients onsite by taking them indoors and got them rehydrated. The Colorado Springs Fire Department said 40-50 people were taken inside to cool down as they were monitored.

Colorado Springs Fire Department spokeswoman Ashley Franco said, “A lot of nausea, headache, just overheating in general, so really what we’re doing is we’re getting them into this building, we’re getting them into air conditioning, we’re giving them IV fluids, we’re taking their vitals, we’re seeing what every patient needs.”

The National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado, earlier in the day issued a heat advisory warning of potential temperatures between 93 and 100 degrees F.

Pikes Peak Air Show personnel had posted on its social media advising guests, “PLEASE remember to stay hydrated during this hot weather. There is a FREE water station at the center of the grounds near the medical station.”  The airshow’s website also noted: “We strongly recommend bringing hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Please plan on being exposed to direct sunlight for the duration of the event. You may also bring a small personal umbrella; however, no large umbrellas, tents, or canopies are allowed. You can pre-purchase tickets to the upgraded Canteen Experience, which is the only ticket option that comes with shade.”

FMI:  www.pprairshow.org/