Extreme heat at the Pikes Peak Air Show at the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport in Colorado Springs (about 81 miles south of Denver) on Saturday afternoon caused around 100 people to seek emergency treatment for heat-related illness, 10 of whom were hospitalized.
Colorado Springs Airport officials said that the majority of patients were treated by emergency personnel onsite at the Pikes Peak Regional Airshow. The airshow’s website indicated tickets were sold out for both days of the event on Saturday and Sunday, featuring performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight exhibition team and displays of various types of modern and vintage aircraft.
In a social media post, the Colorado Springs Fire Department said 40 to 50 people were taken indoors to cool down as fire personnel monitored them. The conditions of the 10 people hospitalized were not confirmed. 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.”
Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal added that the “quick actions” of organizers and emergency officials prevented serious injuries at the event. Said Royal: “The Colorado Springs Fire Department works and prepares very closely with the airport and event organizers when large events are held. Today, like every day, we had a plan in place in the event we needed to activate it. All partners and resources at the airshow handled this incident swiftly and professionally. Their quick actions ensured people were taken care of and serious injuries were avoided. Tomorrow will be hot again and we ask everyone to please stay hydrated, be prepared for hot temperatures, and please stay safe.”
The National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado, had issued a heat advisory warning of anticipated temperatures between 93 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the area on Saturday afternoon, with the advisory remaining in effect for El Paso County and Pueblo County for Sunday between noon and 7 p.m., the weather service said.
A post on the Pikes Peak Regional Airshow’s social media advised attendees, “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.”
Editorial credit: BT Images / Shutterstock.com