Heat just hits fans differently
My radio sputtered to life as a call came in. Dispatch rattled off a section and row number. I tapped the mic: “West two five and West two four en route.” I grabbed the AED bag and medical backpack from their spot above the stairway and took off with my partner. “American Red Cross coming through,” I called as we moved through the crowd that cheered for the players on the field. Moments like this have defined my seasons with the First Aid Services Team, where I support medical first-response operations at every home game in Memorial Stadium.
I volunteer with the American Red Cross as part of the First Aid Services Team, working alongside Midwest Medical and Nebraska Medicine to support medical response throughout the entire stadium. Together, we take care of fans, security personnel, concession workers, and members of the marching band. Our coverage includes the whole stadium community, while the athletes on the field have their own dedicated medical staff.
Sometimes my role is simple, like giving directions or returning high fives to excited kids. Those moments let me be a positive and reassuring presence in the crowd. Other times the work is far more serious, such as helping carry someone down stadium steps after a seizure or controlling a bleed after a traumatic fall. The beginning of football season in late August or early September is often fast paced with constant motion. Midday kickoffs reach high temperatures and even higher field temperatures. On September 5th, the air temperature at the Lincoln airport was already 90°F at kickoff and the heat index climbed over 105°F in the second half. Nearby Nebraska Mesonet sites showed the same conditions with wet bulb global temperatures in the extreme range. Field temperatures exceeded 150°F after halftime.
Hydration is the challenge many spectators underestimate. Staying safe in the heat starts long before game day. Growing up in sports, my coaches always reminded me how important it was to get food, enough water, and quality sleep in the days leading up to a competition. My experienced first aid teammates preach the same lesson. Preparing for these hot days means hydrating all week and getting plenty of electrolytes, not just filling or buying a bottle once entering the stadium.
For the first home game of the season, with an 11 a.m. kickoff our team arrived at the stadium by 9 a.m. We met at the Southeast First Aid station before heading across the stadium to the Northwest station, where I have always served at West Stadium. We secured our AED, medical bags with equipment and oxygen, and stocked up on water. I carry two bottles in my tactical pants side pocket, one for myself and one to hand out if needed. I also carry my own small bag of needed items such as ice packs, emesis bags, and bandages. By the time the gates opened, we were already out on the concourse ready to help fans.
Calls came in even before kickoff. At each scene, we quickly take in what is happening. For heat related issues, if the patient is conscious and alert, we start with a brief assessment. We ask what symptoms they are experiencing, whether they have eaten or had water, any relevant medical history or medications, and their name and age. We check if they need water and make sure to give them one or two ice packs. We then explain our plan and confirm that the patient agrees. Whenever possible, our goal is to walk patients down the stadium steps. We secure a gait belt around their waist, support them on both sides, and call for a wheelchair to meet us at the concourse. From there, we take them either to the First Aid room or the cooling station.
First Aid handles medical issues that need immediate attention, such as severe dehydration, loss of consciousness, low blood sugar, and other urgent concerns. The cooling room is meant for overheated fans who need air conditioning, water, and monitoring before a true medical emergency develops. On hot days it is common to bring one patient in and immediately find another who needs help. Crowds gather on the concourse to escape the sun and line up for water, which makes movement more difficult during emergencies.
In serious situations, such as when a patient is unresponsive, we use a litter to carry them out of the stands. In rare cases, we rely on our full basic life support and CPR training. If there is no pulse, chest compressions and breaths begin immediately. Another responder retrieves the AED, applies the pads, and waits for analysis. If a shock is advised, everyone steps back. After the shock, compressions resume. Additional help is called, and with a litter and hopefully a returned pulse, the patient is carried down the stairs, placed on a stretcher, and taken through the stadium gate that doubles as an ambulance bay.
Hot games look very different from cooler ones and this was one of the hottest games on record at Memorial Stadium. On mild days we handle the usual injuries and occasional emergencies. On days with high temperatures, we are constantly in motion, responding to heat related issues, navigating crowded concourses, and working to keep fans safe in conditions that can escalate quickly. Through every call and every game day, we work to help keep the Husker community safe.
*Mercedes Renken is a senior biochemistry major, Honors student and UCARE fellow. She will be entering medical school next year.
