Just before 10 pm, Friday night, calls started going out for persons at the Prairie View A&M University Stadium were overcome by the heat. Waller County EMS responded to the scene and as they arrived additional medics were called. Within the hour over 30 people were transported by Waller County EMS, Grimes County EMS, Austin County EMS, Washington County EMS, and Cy-Fair EMS. A Life Flight landed on the 50 yard-line of the stadium for one patient. They were transported to Scot White in College Station, Hermann Cypress Fairbanks, Bellville Hospital, and Brenham Hospital. Many more were treated inside what is called the Baby Dome adjacent to the football stadium. Still, others were treated on the Fort Bend County Mass Casualty Bus. Medics said patients were treated for severe dehydration and seizure-like symptoms. Prairie View Police, Waller County Sheriff’s units, and DPS closed all entrances to the campus. Parents were told to stage at the Post office. Prairie View Officials would not comment tonight on the situation. University Officials posted a statement on social media.
“Following the conclusion of Panther Camp activities, several students reported symptoms of heat exhaustion. Emergency medical professionals were immediately dispatched to the scene to treat students for heat-related illnesses.
As a precaution, students are encouraged to monitor themselves and others for symptoms such as high body temperature, dizziness or fainting, confusion, and upset stomach. Individuals exhibiting these symptoms should call 911.”
UPDATE-According to Waller County EMS Chief Rhonda Getschman 37 patients were transported by ground ambulance and one was transported by air. One of the 37 was due to trauma, it appears the remainder is a result of the heat. Multiple agencies responded including Waller County EMS, Austin County EMS, Washington County EMS, Cy-Fair EMS, Rose Hill EMS, Grimes County EMS, Fort Bend County EMS with mass casualty unit, Atascocita EMS with mass casualty trailer, Advantage EMS, Waller County ESD 200. Also law enforcement assisted in locking down the campus and assisting medics, units from Waller County Sheriff’s Office, Waller County Precinct 1 Constables, Prairie View Campus Police, DPS, Prairie View Police, Waller Police, and the Waller County Fire Marshal. Additionally she said multiple Waller County EMS Volunteers and many students assisted.
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