The heat was a factor during today’s MEAC/SWAC tournament game between Alabama A&M University and North Carolina A&T State University, keeping emergency crews busy at Bright House Stadium at UCF.
As the temperature rose, some of those in attendance fell victim to the heat.
Although this was not a record for emergency calls due to heat related illness, there were more than a handful of calls for help because of the weather.
Major Randy Mingo with the UCF Police Department says they were more than prepared to handle the crowd and emergencies to go along with it.
Although fans tried their best to stay cool, band members and players had to endure the warmth of the sun on the field. Mingo says the call for a band member who couldn’t handle the heat was their Seventh response of the day.
“The heat is up. We’re advising everybody to hydrate. She just came off the field from the band, the last transport we did. But, it’s very manageable. There is water available. We are transporting the elderly in and out. So, it’s working. Florida heat, they’re not used to this,” said Maj. Mingo.
In addition to having roving medics on bicycles, Mingo says crews were at every exit, waiting to help. Because of that, they averaged an almost instant response time for every call.
Although some complained about the heat, a good time was had by almost everyone.