Hundreds of thousands of people will head to Downtown Sparks for the Best in the West Rib Cook-Off over the next six days. Â With those kinds of crowds, first responders expect to be busy.
"It's one of our busiest events," said Adam Heinz with REMSA. "Typically we see 30 to 40 patients a day, especially this week because it's going to be hot outside on that blacktop, lots of people."
REMSA is advising event goers to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and seek out shade. Â They has a medical station set up on Victorian Plaza.
"The medical station has sunblock and an area where people can recover that is air-conditioned, right there by the nugget," Heinz said.
They also use quick-response vehicles to help get through the crowds.
"When you see that emergency crew coming, get to the side," Heinz said. "Call 911 if you see someone that may be experiencing a heat-related illness; that's the number one cause of our responses down there.  Get them laying down, get them cool and call for help."
First responders are taking a regional approach to safety during the six days of the event.
"We're working in conjunction with Sparks Fire and Sparks Police, which is really nice," Heinz said. Â "That has evolved the last couple years so we have a response that is unified to ensure safety. Â I think that's a great effort among all the regional jurisdictions."
For more information, visit this link here: https://nuggetribcookoff.com/
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