Cross Country Runners Hospitalized From Heat Injuries

On Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 3:56 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 8 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Miller responded to a Mult-Patient Medical Incident at 6201 North Winnetka Avenue in Woodland Hills.

Firefighters arrived at Pierce College, where 800 students and coaches gathered from multiple High Schools for a cross country track meet. Due to intense physical exertion and extreme temperatures, 12 suffered heat related illnesses. Most of those evaluated by Firefighter/Paramedics, were athletes. In addition to providing emergency medical care, a total of 45 Firefighters scoured the three mile track to ensure no runners had fallen ill and were left behind. In all, ten females that were 16 to 17 years-old, required transportation to various local hospitals. Medical complaints were predominately minor in severity, however two patients suffered temporary altered-level-of-consciousness. The incident lasted just under two hours.

The Los Angeles Fire Department stresses the importance of staying hydrated and not exercising alone, especially during extreme temperatures.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department