Colorado Springs Fire Department says there was not enough water or shelter for Air Show
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Saturday's highly anticipated Pikes Peak Airshow was declared a "Mass Casualty" after 100 sought treatment for heat-related illnesses, overwhelming the ability of on-site staff to handle medical emergencies. 10 more went to the hospital on Saturday.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department Medical Lieutenant is now saying that there was not enough water and shelter for the 15,000 people that showed up.
"Even though there were designated places to get out of the heat, to some extent, it was not big enough for the number of people," Brian Kurtz, the CSFD medical lieutenant said.
Sports Corps, on the other hand, said that there were shelter spaces, if needed, for people to get out of the heat.
Kurtz also spoke about a lack of water supply.
"We started seeing problems at 11 a.m. when people were excessively thirsty and looking for water. There was water to purchase. There was plenty of initial water on site. They distributed to all the purchase points and it wasn't enough," Kurtz said.
In response, Colorado Springs Sports Corporations said this:
"The Pikes Peak Regional Airshow provided ample hydration options for all attendees. There was a free refill station provided by Colorado Springs Utilities, which was fully operational throughout the event, starting Saturday afternoon through Sunday. In addition, several vendor booths were selling water to ensure everyone had easy access."
-Lauren DeMarco, Colorado Springs Sports Corporations
They also sent an initial statement, acknowledging the number of people that needed help.
"Throughout the weekend, temperatures were in the low 100s at the event site, and the onsite operations team was prepared to respond to heat-related issues. Attendees were strongly encouraged to bring water and personal umbrellas, and water was available throughout the weekend and supplies never ran out. Shade and cooling stations were also available in response to those who needed help due to the high temperatures. On Saturday, August 17th the Colorado Springs Fire Department responded to approximately 100 individual spectators affected by heat-related illnesses. On the second day of the airshow, Sunday, August 18th, the number of individuals treated onsite for heat-related illness dropped to 40, including one person who required hospital transport compared to 10 transports on Saturday. We are truly grateful for the collaborative efforts amongst the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, the Colorado Springs Fire Department, The Colorado Springs Airport, the City of Colorado Springs, and The National Museum of World War II Aviation."
- Colorado Springs Sports Corporation
According to CSFD, though ambient temperatures hovered in the mid-90s, attendees sitting on the cement may have experienced higher temperatures in the 100s, because the tarmac reflects the heat.
"The surfaces at the airport are different than the blacktop. [That] absorbs the heat. Concrete reflects the heat, and it makes you excessively hot over a short period of time," Kurtz said.
Kurtz added that there was a high UV-rating as well, potentially exacerbating the already hot conditions. He said even though many attendees came well-prepared for the heat, there was very little shelter from the elements.
CSU utilities provided free refill stations beginning Saturday afternoon and lasting through Sunday evening for people attending the event.
KRDO has asked Colorado Springs Sports Corporation if they plan on doing anything differently during next year's events, and they have not directly answered that question.
