Four hospitalized due to heat-related injuries

By Nick Otto

Published: June 8, 2008

Four people were transported to Potomac Hospital for heat-related injuries Saturday during two events around the county, according to a release from the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department.

A total of 32 people were treated at Woodbridge Senior High School during graduation ceremonies Saturday, stated Jim McAllister, assistant chief of the volunteer fire department, in the release.

Fire and Rescue responded to an initial report of one heat-related incident, the release stated.

The numbers quickly escalated resulting in the dispatch of additional ambulances and the mass-casualty unit from Station 20, the release stated.

Rescue personnel used a school bus with air conditioning to remove people from the heat and school officials opened the school to provide another area for comfort, the release stated.

Two people were transported to Potomac Hospital for heat-related emergencies.

Additional rescue units provided emergency medical support for Occoquan Days, treating eight people and transporting another two to Potomac Hospital with emergency issues.

The condition of the four patients was not available by press time.

-- Nick Otto