Festival organizers ready to tackle heat problems

With temperatures expected to reach above 30 C this weekend, Country Thunder Saskatchewan organizers want to keep festival attendees hydrated and out of the EMS tent.

“We want people to enjoy the occasional alcoholic beverage but make sure that you’re drinking tons of water as well and watch out for your friends,” said Kim Blevins, general manager of Country Thunder Music Festivals.

In preparation for the weekend, festival organizers have been paying attention to weather reports and have increased on-site medical staff.

There are 42 cross-trained firefighter first responders on site, along with two ambulances, three advance care paramedics, an RN, and four primary care paramedics. Although the weather is expected

to be hot, emergency services coordinator for Country Thunder Saskatchewan, Belinda Mitchell, said staff is prepared for all types of weather.

“What we’re doing out here is a contingency plan that’s been built for years. But because Mother Nature is telling us it’s going to be high heat that’s where our focus is,” she said.

EMS is based at the security dispatch building on the south end of Main Street. There are two air-conditioned areas in there — the main security dispatch building and the extended care centre behind it.

As well, EMS will be driving through the campgrounds watching for anyone who may have heat stroke. RCMP officers on ground as well will be watching for people with heat stroke.

“We will obviously be there to provide any sort of initial care, but anybody here is just a dispatch away from getting out to a person in need,” said RCMP Cpl. Craig Cleary.

EMS has been on site educating people on heat safety since Tuesday when the gates opened.

“Also a lot of (festival attendees) bring out coolers to store their food in. In high heat temperatures they melt fairly quickly, food starts to go bad. So it’s kind of the whole picture for safety,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell and Blevins stressed people need to be drinking water throughout the weekend. If EMS workers see anyone in need of water they will be handing it out. Security dispatch as well will have water available and water is for sale for $4 a bottle on Main Street and in the bars.

“I don’t want to discourage drinking from anyone but I do encourage them, if you are going to consume alcohol, you’re probably not aware of how hot you’re getting,” Mitchell said.