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EMS: More Than 100 Concert-Goers Treated For Heat-Related Issues At Vans Warped Tour, 27 Hospitalized

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BURGETTSTOWN, Pa. (KDKA) -- Multiple concert-goers were taken to the hospital from KeyBank Pavilion in Burgettstown Monday due to heat-related health problems.

The Vans Warped Tour began at 11 a.m., and continued all day in scorching temperatures, as bands took the stage well into the evening.

Washington County EMS called it a "mass casualty incident," and enacted plans to make sure patients got the medical care they needed.

keybank-pavilion-ambulance
(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Live Nation released the following statement:

"With temperatures reaching above 90 degrees during today's Vans Warped Tour at KeyBank Pavilion, we're taking extra precaution to keep attendees safe from the heat. While only 15 people out of 15,000 total attendees have needed medical transport due to heat-related conditions, our on-site medical services team is coordinating directly with Washington County Emergency Services to ensure everyone gets medical attention as soon as possible. All 15 people who have been transported thus far are in stable condition, and we'll continue to coordinate with the city as needed to ensure all attendees are taken care of throughout the day. The venue also has misting stations in its plazas and free water stations available to all fans to help them beat the heat and stay hydrated as they enjoy performances throughout the day."

Ambulances were seen going in and out of the concert grounds for hours. About 20,000 fans were in attendance.

"Probably just got busy enjoying the concert and didn't really get a chance to hydrate, hot day, it's hard," said a member of the Fort Cherry EMS crew.

EMS officials confirm 100 concert-goers were treated at the sprawling venue, and 27 were transported by ambulances to area hospitals.

One of the musicians said he could feel the heat as he was performing.

"It's super-hot on stage. My friends and I are always bouncing around, and we do this synchronized thing," said Kyle Fletchers, of December's Tragedy.

Live Nation, the concert's promoter, along with KeyBank Pavilion erected misting and water cooling stations, which fans say helped.

"I felt really hot and dizzy. I was just really happy for the hydrating stations," said fan Stephanie.

But the heat proved too much for a young couple from Ross Township.

"I felt like I was doped up. I could tell I didn't feel good, felt like I was going to faint from the heat," said fan Jackie Weiss.

The concert tickets were her birthday present, but she decided to call it quits early and had her dad pick them up.

Even into the evening, a medical helicopter could be seen transported someone out of the venue. There's no word on that person's injuries or condition.

The mass casualty plan was a huge response, meaning EMS were called from as far away at Mount Lebanon and Canonsburg to provide enough response to attend to the sick and heat exhausted.

So far, everyone transported for heat-related issues has been treated and released form area hospitals, officials say.

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