READING, Pa. — Thursday afternoon, this parking lot and the Bellevue Avenue bridge in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County, were packed with hundreds of people waiting for the Big Boy train.
But with temperatures reaching 106 degrees and the train delayed for more than an hour, many people became sick.
“Once we gave them either oral hydration or IV hydration, their color came back,” said Brad Cosgrove, Director-in-Chief of EMS for Tower Direct.
Cosgrove was one of the EMS leaders who helped coordinate the response. He says getting fluids to patients as quickly as possible made a big difference.
“They perked up really quick. Thankfully, nothing was too serious that some hydration and monitoring couldn’t handle for the most part,” Cosgrove said.
Officials say more than 100 people were treated, about 45 were taken to hospitals, while many others recovered after being treated at the scene.
“It was a little bit chaotic. I don’t think anyone anticipated the weather or the volume of crowds… but all the agencies involved really banded together,” Cosgrove said.
A Mass Casualty Incident was declared, bringing in crews from neighboring counties, along with a medical bus, a cooling bus and additional emergency resources.
“Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Know your limits. If you’re feeling faint, sit down, get into the shade and look out for each other,” Cosgrove said.