Several treated for heat exhaustion at Carmelfest - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Several Carmelfest parade participants were treated for heat-related illness Wednesday after the Fourth of July parade.

Several band members were treated at the Carmel Library, which was transformed into a triage unit. The Carmel Fire Department says a few people felt bad enough to be taken to the hospital, mostly as a precaution.

Despite temperatures in the nineties, thousands of people lined the Carmelfest parade route Wednesday morning.

"It's pretty hot. The sun is just beating down, but I'm going to try to stick it out," said resident Stephanie Smith.

The heat was harder yet on those marching. Even as band members worked to stay hydrated, several were overcome by heat. Officials said at least 16 were taken to area hospitals with many more treated at the scene, including a group from Emmanuel Church and Shortridge Middle School. 

Zamanena Kirby, who marched with the Manual High School Marching Band, was one of the people checked by medics.

"It was real hot. I started feeling dizzy and had a headache. When I was trying to march, I was going to the side," she said.

Her mother, Phyllis Kirby, said, "I was very nervous for her and yes, it was very hot. She ate a good breakfast and we drenched her with water as she was walking but it wasn't enough."

The city opened the Carmel Clay Library as a cooling center. Some were brought there to be checked by medics others were simply looking for relief, including Angie North. North was with a church group, which had a youth band in the parade.

"It's very hot. We didn't expect it to be that hot and they had on their winter uniforms and were carrying drums," she said.

If you're spending time in the heat today, pay close attention to how you feel. If you start to feel ill or light-headed, get out of the heat and have a person stay with you until you get back to normal. If you do not start to improve after a short time, please seek medical attention.

Children, elderly people or people with weak immune systems are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness.

Tips for coping in extreme heat