Medic Treats Dozens For Heat Illnesses

CHARLOTTE, NC– Thousands crowding in and around the Convention Center in Uptown while temperatures climbed into the mid-90’s created a challenge for first responders.

“With the heat has been a combination that really has pushed our resources to the limits,” said Medic Spokesman, Lester Oliva.

Medic treated 31 patients, from inside and outside the Convention Center, 15 of them were transported to local hospitals.

“Long periods of time with people standing out in the heat with underlying medical conditions can cause serious medical conditions,” said Oliva.

Medic wasn’t the only emergency responder feeling the heat, Charlotte firefighters tackled two major fires in the sweltering heat.

“It’s a major consideration, specially some of these guys just came off another second alarm we had earlier today over on North Side of town,” said Charlotte Fire Battalion Chief Quentin Maver.

That fire at Hunters Pointe Apartments on Prospect Drive kept crews out all afternoon. Then a two alarm fire at Firebirds in South Park where one firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.

“With all the protective clothing and the heat, it’s very difficult to dissipate the heat very quickly they can become overheated so we’re rotating the companies pretty often,” said Chief Maver.

Medic says they also keep their crews stocked with water while responding in the heat. In addition to the crowd Uptown, Medic still responded to everyday citizens throughout the city.

“Just because we have an influx of people into our city does not stop other 911 calls from happening,” said Oliva.