Heat-Related Emergencies Spike During CB Graduation Ceremonies

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Numerous heat-related emergencies were reported during Thursday’s high school graduation ceremonies in Central Bucks as the heat index spiked and temperatures reached into the mid to upper 80s.

District officials held all three ceremonies at CB South, East and West simultaneously on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. due to a forecast of heavy thunderstorm on Thursday and Friday afternoons when the ceremonies were originally scheduled.

In anticipation of the heat, the district said it provided multiple water stations, distributed water bottles to the graduates, set up nurse stations, and had EMS personnel on site.

In addition, the district said it made its air-conditioned school buildings available for attendees to view a live stream of the ceremony in a more comfortable setting.

Emergency responders who were already stationed at the ceremonies reported an increase in heat related issues about an hour into the ceremonies.

(Central Bucks School District)

Warrington first responders reported that on-site medical personnel remained busy throughout the event at CB South, assessing approximately 19 people and transporting five patients to local hospitals, not including anyone who may have gone by private vehicle.

The Warrington Township Police Department was joined on scene by Warrington Community Ambulance Corps, Warrington Fire Co. #1, and the Warrington Township Department of Emergency Management.

At CB West, Central Bucks EMS and Doylestown Fire Company's Rescue 19 stood by during the graduation to handle any needs. The firefighters reported that several attendees had suffered heat related exhaustion.

At 2:09 p.m., Rescue 19 called in Utility 79 to assist Central Bucks EMS with transportation of patients to the hospital.

Personnel provided water and site transportation in coordination with EMS and Borough of Doylestown EMA.

“Numerous patients were treated (onsite) and/or transported,” the fire company reported.

There were no numbers available on how many were taken to the hospital. One social media poster said it was around 100, a number Patch was unable to confirm.

“We are grateful to the district's nurses, EMS personnel, local first responders, and staff members who responded quickly and professionally to those who needed medical attention,” the district said in a statement.