Kids Suffer Heat Exhaustion At Davie Summer Camp

DAVIE (CBSMiami) –- South Florida's scorching summer heat caused health issues Friday afternoon for half a dozen kids at a Broward County summer camp.

According to Fire Marshal Tony Precanico, a spokesman for Davie Fire Rescue, six young people were taken to Cleveland Clinic and Memorial West hospitals after suffering from heat exhaustion.

It happened at  Camp Seminole, located at 3301 SW 142nd Avenue in Davie, where a Junior ROTC has been holding camp for the past week.

A total of 14 kids complained about the heat.

"It was extremely hot," said Col. James Armstrong of the Broward JROTC. "They obviously weren't drinking enough water and we started seeing the heat injuries."

Col. Armstrong said the sick kids appeared to be dehydrated. The group had been at the location since Sunday with Friday winding up activities. More than 300 kids from 26 Broward High Schools were there for the camp.

Armstrong said there were no drills or exercises going on. Instead it was a day of cleaning and packing.

"They were all outside; they were breaking down camp," Col. Armstrong said. "So they had their baggage, taking their baggage from their camp areas to where their parents were going to meet them."

Armstrong told CBS4's Ted Scouten he had never seen something like this happen before and that the kids are monitored closely for any heat related trouble.

"What we try to do is make sure they drink two canteens of water an hour, have medical teams that are in golf carts that are all over the facility all day long," said Col. Armstrong. "They are watching the kids."

Heat exhaustion symptoms include dizziness, muscle weakness, and nausea or vomiting.

Without proper intervention, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs, and even cause death.

If you or anyone else has symptoms of heat exhaustion, it's important to immediately get out of the heat and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned environment. If you can't get inside, try to find the nearest cool and shady place.

Other recommended strategies include:

• Drink plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.
• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
• Apply other active cooling measures such as fans or ice towels.