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9 hospitalized, dozens more treated for heat at New Jersey graduation

Julia Gomez   Paste BN
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Several people attending an outdoor high school graduation ceremony in New Jersey during the widespread heat wave in the U.S. were taken to the hospital, while dozens more were treated at the scene, according to officials.

On Monday, June 23, nine people were taken to the hospital by emergency medical technicians, while 50 others declined hospital care and were treated on site at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, said Fire Department Chief Alex Alicea according to the Bergen Record, a part of the Paste BN Network.

Paterson is about 20 miles northwest of New York City.

Graduates were in folding chairs on the turf, while family members and other attendees sat in the grandstand with little shade.

On Monday, temperatures in the area rose to the upper 90s and the heat index reached 107 degrees, according to the Weather Channel.

Record breaking: Dangerous heat wave strains power grid, millions warned of triple-digit temperatures

Event stopped for safety

During a second ceremony later in the day, 100 people required treatment, while seven more were taken to the hospital, NBC News reported.

Seven more high school graduations were planned at the stadium, but were rescheduled due to the weather, the Bergen Record reported.

Sweltering heat continues

Tens of millions of Americans in the Eastern U.S. continue to face the heat wave.

Along the edges of the heat dome impacting the country, thunderstorms known as a "ring of fire" cropped up, according to forecasters. The severe thunderstorms could bring damaging wind gusts and hail to states on the outskirts of the dome, including parts of the Carolinas, Southeast and mid-Mississippi Valley, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

'Ring of fire': Storms threaten edges of massive heat dome

National heat index map: See which states feel hottest

The map embed below identifies areas where the heat index is forecasted to reach NWS-defined levels from "Caution" (80 degrees Fahrenheit) to "Extreme Danger" (above 125 degrees).

Heat index measures how hot it actually feels when factoring for humidity. Prolonged exposure to a heat index above 80 degrees can lead to fatigue, as previously reported by Paste BN. As it gets hotter, the risk continues to increase − potentially resulting in heat stroke or even death. Older adults, children, and outdoor workers are generally at higher risk of heat-related incidents.

How to stay safe during extreme heat

People facing extreme heat should do the following, according to NWS:

  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Stay in an air-conditioned room
  • Stay out of the sun
  • Check up on relatives and neighbors
  • Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles
  • Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing outdoors
  • Limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Extreme heat can have a negative impact on people's health.

"Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events," according to the National Weather Service.

The following factors increase the possibility of a heat-related illness, according to the National Park Service:

  • High humidity
  • High elevation
  • Strenuous activity
  • Age: Infants, young children and people over 65 are more susceptible to heat illness
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Heart disease
  • Poor circulation
  • Fever
  • Mental illness
  • Dehydration
  • Sunburn
  • Prescription drug and alcohol use

What are the symptoms of heatstroke?

There are multiple forms of heat illnesses, but heatstroke is the deadliest and most dangerous, according to the NPS.

The following are symptoms of heatstroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Body temperature of 103 degrees or higher
  • Skins that is hot, red, dry or damp
  • Fast, strong pulse
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Losing consciousness

In the case of heatstroke, the CDC recommends people do the following:

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Move the person suffering from heatstroke to a cool location
  • Lower the person's body temperature with a cool cloth or bath
  • Do not give the person suffering from a heatstroke water or anything to drink

Contributing: Joe Malinconico, Paterson Press; Doyle Rice, Jeanine Santucci and staff, Paste BN

Julia is a trending reporter for Paste BN. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com

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