CHARLESTON, SC NEWS - LIVE 5 WCSC Breaking News, Weather, SportsStudents take measures to avoid heat exhaustion
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With rising temperatures, there is concern over students who have to practice out in the sun.
On Monday, one dozen high school students in Blythewood were sent to the hospital for heat exhaustion.
Wando High School Band Director Scott Rush says it happens.
Kids get heat exhaustion especially at the beginning of the summer and during scorching hot days, Rush said.
He said the key he is getting them ready for the heat and keeping them hydrated once they're out practicing on the field.
The process starts before the summer.
"We get them out. We give them recommendations for exercise. We give them some recommendations on how to hydrate themselves," Rush said.
Things like light running gives them stamina, which also helps those who have to carry heavy instruments.
Once they start practicing, they only practice early in the day and in the late afternoons, Rush said.
Typically, they get a water break every 40 minutes, but when it's really hot the break is every 30 minutes.
Tents are set up nearby, where volunteer parents some who have medical backgrounds hand out water and are ready deal with any health issues.
"We really rely on them to take care of the young people. And we rely on their expertise to take care of any issues," Rush said.
Mary Bebensee is a nurse with the school district who gives the go-ahead on parents in the medical field who want to help.
Bebensee said having them around is crucial.
"They're kids. They're teenagers and they think nothing can happen to them so they don't always remember those important things," Bebensee said.
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