Over 100 People Fall Ill While Attending New Jersey Graduations as Mayor Declares State of Emergency Due to Heat

Over 100 People Fall Ill Due to Heat at New Jersey Graduations

More than 100 individuals have been treated for heat-related illnesses at two graduation ceremonies in a New Jersey city. The incidents took place at Hinchcliffe Stadium in Paterson during two high school graduation events on Monday, June 23. The Mayor of Paterson, Andre Sayegh, declared a State of Emergency on the same day to safeguard the health and safety of the residents.

Temperatures soared into the 90s in the region, with the humidity creating a heat index that made it feel like temperatures were in the 100s. Reports from CBS affiliate WCBS-TV and NBC News indicated that approximately 50 people were treated during the initial ceremony at Hinchliffe Stadium. Nine of these individuals were subsequently sent to the hospital. During the second ceremony, another 100 people required medical attention, with seven of them being hospitalized.

One attendee mentioned that she had to be placed on a breathing machine but opted not to go to the hospital as she didn’t want to miss her son’s graduation. Paterson School District Superintendent Laurie Newell acknowledged that the heat led to discomfort among some attendees, necessitating medical assistance. Precautionary measures had been put in place by the district to ensure the safety of all present, including on-site emergency medical technicians, cooling stations, bottled water, shaded areas, wet towels, ice, and industrial fans to improve airflow.

Mayor Andre Sayegh’s State of Emergency declaration also resulted in the cancellation of recreational activities until further notice. Cooling stations have been set up at the Paterson Main Public Library and Northside Public Library, with city officials urging residents to stay indoors, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbours without access to air conditioning. As of now, Superintendent Newell and city officials have not responded to requests for comment from PEOPLE.

The Paterson community remains focused on the wellbeing of its students, families, and staff. Superintendent Newell expressed pride in the graduates for their resilience in celebrating this significant milestone despite the challenging circumstances. While the extreme heat posed a serious threat, the swift response and mitigation strategies put in place demonstrate the commitment to ensuring the safety and health of all attendees during such events.

As the city grapples with the aftermath of the incidents, it is clear that effective measures need to be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and rapid response in handling emergencies, especially in situations involving large gatherings during extreme weather conditions.

The impact of the heat-related illnesses on over 100 people attending the New Jersey graduations highlights the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to safeguard public health during such events. By learning from this incident and implementing appropriate precautions, authorities can ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals participating in future gatherings, particularly in the face of rising temperatures and heatwaves.

In conclusion, the recent events in Paterson serve as a cautionary tale about the potential risks associated with extreme heat during public gatherings. It is imperative for communities to prioritise safety protocols and adequate resources to mitigate the impact of heat-related illnesses and ensure the well-being of all attendees. As we navigate through a changing climate, proactive measures and prompt responses are crucial in protecting individuals from the adverse effects of extreme weather conditions.