KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT)— First responders treated approximately 200 heat-related medical cases Saturday as soaring temperatures impacted fans attending the University of Tennessee football game at Neyland Stadium.
According to American Medical Response (AMR), 15 people were transported by ambulance for further medical treatment, but officials said the number could have been much higher without extensive on-site medical support.
AMR spokesperson Mike Cohen credited medical teams from the University of Tennessee Medical Center Event Medicine program for treating a large number of patients inside Neyland Stadium before their conditions required ambulance transport.
“That number would have been larger if UT Medical Center Event Medicine staff weren’t inside the stadium treating and caring for the fans inside,” Cohen said. “They were mitigating a significant number of patients inside the aid stations at Neyland.”
Cooling Stations and Medical Teams Deployed
In addition to medical personnel stationed throughout the stadium, the Knoxville Fire Department deployed a cooling bus outside Neyland Stadium to provide relief for fans experiencing heat-related symptoms.
Cohen said approximately 30 people used the cooling bus during the event.
Emergency responders also utilized a variety of specialized equipment and resources to assist fans struggling with the extreme temperatures.
According to AMR, side-by-side utility vehicles operated by AMR, the Knoxville Fire Department and Knox County Rescue were used to transport patients to cooling areas and ambulances. Segway response teams were also deployed inside the stadium, using stair chairs to move patients from seating sections to first aid stations for evaluation and treatment.
Extreme Heat Creates Challenges
The combination of high temperatures and large crowds created significant challenges for medical crews throughout the day.
Heat exhaustion and dehydration are common concerns during early-season football games, particularly when temperatures remain elevated for extended periods.
Officials monitored conditions closely and coordinated response efforts across multiple agencies to ensure fans could quickly receive treatment when needed.
Emergency Response Praised
Despite the high number of heat-related incidents, Cohen described the response plan as a success due to the cooperation among multiple agencies.
“The plan we have in place, training we have put in place and collaboration with UT Medical Center Event Medicine, Knox County Rescue, Knoxville Fire Department and ourselves made yesterday a success,” Cohen said. “But it took all of those parties to make it happen.”
Officials encourage fans attending future games and outdoor events to stay hydrated, seek shade when possible, take frequent breaks from direct sunlight, and be aware of signs of heat-related illness.
