Crime & Safety

Firefighters Respond To Heat-Exposure Victims At Spoto High

Extreme heat at an ROTC competition at Spoto High School felled several attendees and prompted a reminder about staying safe in hot temperatures.

Heat-related injuries at a day of revelry at Spoto High School on Sept. 14 served as a reminder just how serious a consideration extreme temperatures needs to be at outdoor activities.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue reported this weekend that "multiple patients" suffered from heat-related injuries at Spoto High, where an ROTC competition was being held on the football field. Some 300 students from 18 high schools reportedly were in attendance.

According to the report, those stricken showed "signs and symptoms of heat exposure," including dehydration, nausea and heat cramps. "A total of nine students were treated and four out of those nine were transported to the hospital for further evaluation."

"The other five," the report continues, "were released to their parents or guardians."

Six units and about 14 fire rescue personnel responded to had responded to the high school, at 8538 Eagle Palm Drive.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue issued a reminder "that it is very important that people drink plenty of water when doing physical activities outdoors." As noted:

"Florida heat [can] be dangerous to people if they don't hydrate properly when performing any kind of physical work outside. We encourage everyone to play sports and exercise, but also want to make sure that you stay hydrated. Some of the injuries that result from exposure to heat are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and, the most severe, heat stroke."

For more, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide To Promote Your Personal Health And Safety.


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