Extreme heat takes a toll at Colorado airshow: Over 100 people fall ill

Extreme heat at a Colorado airshow led to at least 10 people being hospitalized and about 100 needing medical treatment on Saturday afternoon, officials said.

People visiting the Pikes Peak Airshow in Colorado Springs faced intense heat and needed medical attention during the event, Ashley Franco, a spokesperson for the Colorado Springs Fire Department, told USA TODAY. The majority of the people were taken to the hospital because of heat-related illnesses, and a few were hospitalized because of other medical emergencies, such as seizures.

“The Colorado Springs Fire Department works and prepares very closely with the airport and event organizers when large events are held. Today, like every day, we had a plan in place in the event we needed to activate it,” said Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal in a statement. “All partners and resources at the airshow handled this incident swiftly and professionally. Their quick actions ensured people were taken care of and serious injuries were avoided.”

Royal warned that Sunday will be another hot day and asked those attending the airshow to stay hydrated. On Saturday afternoon the temperatures reached the upper 80s, according to the National Weather Service.

Attendees should bring the following to the event, according to a statement released by the Colorado Springs Airport:

• Water bottles
• Hats
• Sunscreen
• Umbrellas

What to know about risk of heat illness

The following factors increase the possibility of a heat-related illness, according to the National Park Service:

• High humidity
• High elevation
• Strenuous activity
• Age- Infants, young children and people over 65 are more susceptible to heat illness
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Poor circulation
• Fever
• Mental illness
• Dehydration
• Sunburn
• Prescription drug and alcohol use

What to do when facing a heatstroke, the deadliest heat illness

There are multiple forms of heat illnesses, but heatstroke is the deadliest and most dangerous, according to the NPS.

Symptoms of a heatstroke, according to the CDC:

• Body temperature of 103 degrees or higher.
• Skins that is hot, red, dry or damp
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Losing consciousness

In the case of a heatstroke, the CDC recommends people do the following:

• Call 911 immediately
• Move the person suffering from heatstroke to a cool location
• Lower the person’s body temperature with a cool clothing or bath
• Do not give the person suffering from a heatstroke water or anything to drink

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on X, formerly Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz