Medicine Hat Stampede kicks off with new way to pay, heat measures

West Coast Amusements, the company that runs the midway, said the wristbands are an upgrade that makes it easier for guests to make purchases and allows organizers to measure the popularity of rides.

Crowds were building in size throughout the afternoon Wednesday despite the nearly record-breaking hot temperatures.

Tom Otte, head of the Stampede’s risk management team, said organizers are prepared to keep Stampeders cool.

“We have spray tents throughout the Stampede grounds,” Otte told CHAT News.

Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

Otte’s team has a first aid station set up by the exhibits area, where air conditioning is also available.

If someone needs medical attention, the team is working in tandem with EMS, Otte said.

“We’ve got the emergency response vehicle, and we have our golf cart with a bench on it. We can go bring people in here [and] cool them off,” he said.

“We have some ice towels to cool them down, take their blood pressure and stuff. If we can’t look after them properly, we get EMS to come and help us.”

Otte advised Stampede goers to stay hydrated, use wet towels on their necks to stay cool and wear hats or hold umbrellas to keep the direct sunlight off.

The Stampede continues into Wednesday night, capped off by a concert. It resumes Thursday at 9 a.m. with the Stampede parade.

by Eli J. Ridder

Medicine Hat Stampede kicks off with new way to pay, heat measures

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