EMS responds to heat exhaustion calls during LSU game on Saturday

BATON ROUGE – Brad Harris of Baton Rouge EMS says they received more than 15 calls during LSU's home game against UCLA Saturday afternoon, most of them from people suffering from heat exhaustion.

“All of our ambulances are equipped with air conditioning. They have IV drips to resuscitate people or give them fluids if necessary,” he said.

Harris also mentioned that scheduling LSU football games requires a lot of preparation, such as providing medical trailers that can hold up to four people and having bicycles available to help paramedics get through crowds.

“If this only happened regularly outside of an LSU game, we wouldn't have this opportunity,” he said.

Although LSU beat UCLA, some people were concerned about the heat. LSU head coach Brian Kelly said he saw few fans in some parts of Tiger Stadium.

“I noticed that there weren't many people in the stands. The sun was obviously burning down on them,” he said.

Harris advises people who spend long periods outdoors to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include cramps, dizziness and weakness.

“You always want to make sure you have good access to a sheltered, shaded, air-conditioned location. Then as much water and fluids as possible,” he said.

He also advises tailgaters to always be prepared for emergencies.

“You're going to have to do a lot of walking. You have to make sure you get home safely and get to the game and get home safely,” he said.