169 patients received medical attention amid heat warning at weekend Garmin KC Air Show
Update: Capt. Captain Joe Folsom, with Johnson County MED-ACT, said in an email Sunday evening that between Saturday and Sunday, 169 patients were treated on-site at the Garmin KC Air Show, mostly as a result of “heat-related emergencies.” Six people were hospitalized across the two days.
More than 100 people were initially treated for medical concerns at the Garmin KC Air Show Saturday amid an extreme heat wave. The show went on Sunday as sweltering temperatures continued, and dozens more people were treated.
Of those who received medical attention Saturday, five had to be transported to the hospital, Johnson County MED-ACT said in a post on Facebook reporting patient numbers. A sixth person was hospitalized Sunday.
“If you are planning on attending the Show on Sunday, please begin hydrating this evening continuing into tomorrow,” the emergency service provider for Johnson County, Kansas, wrote online..
An excessive heat warning for the KC metro began at noon Saturday, just 90 minutes into the air show at the New Century AirCenter in Gardner.
Despite the heat, aviation fans still filled the tarmac. But many quickly sought out shade, including in the shadows of the aircraft.
The National Weather Service reported the heat index was 115 degrees at 2 p.m. Sunday in Johnson County.
“Cancel or reschedule activities or move them inside,” the weather service posted. “This is life-threatening heat and any and all precautions should be taken.”
Aviation fans sought shade wherever they could find it at Garmin KC Air Show
A cooling bus and a first aid station were provided for air show spectators, but several people commented on the air show’s Facebook page that the resources were not adequate for the crowds and the heat.
On Sunday morning, the air show posted on Facebook reminding attendees to pack an umbrella for shade, a sealed water bottle, a refillable water bottle for the water refill station, a fan and sunscreen.
The excessive heat warning for the Kansas City metro and parts of eastern Kansas and western and central Missouri is scheduled to last through 10 p.m. Thursday as heat indexes are predicted to hit at least 120 degrees.
During extreme heat, the weather service advises people stay hydrated, wear loose and light clothing, take breaks often when outside, and stick to the shade, or even better, air conditioning.
