Air show doctor: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

And keep hydrating, Dayton Air Show chief medical officer advises
Show-goers at the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show revel in the cooling mist at a water station Saturday, June 21, 2025. THOMAS GNAU/STAFF

Show-goers at the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show revel in the cooling mist at a water station Saturday, June 21, 2025. THOMAS GNAU/STAFF

If you’re going to the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Sunday, here’s a piece of advice that may help get you through a day expected to be even hotter than Saturday: Get hydrated.

And stay hydrated.

And keep staying hydrated.

Dr. Brandon Amburgey, the show’s chief medical officer, said event medical personnel treated about 60 people total for heat- and dehydration-related ailments as the day’s high temperature reached the lower 90s Saturday on the unforgiving tarmac of Dayton International Airport. And about seven people needed to be transported to area hospitals.

One of the first aid stations at Dayton International, during Saturday's CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show on June 21, 2025. THOMAS GNAU/STAFF

icon to expand image

“As expected, the heat-related illnesses were definitely No. 1,” he said. “I’m not sure I saw anybody else beside just heat-related (patients). Either heat exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, just from the heat.”

The first day of last year’s show was even hotter. The show assisted 80 people by shortly before 4 p.m. that day in 2024.

The challenge is that Sunday is also expected to be sunny and even hotter. The National Weather Service calls for a high of 96.

Remember that there are no trees at the airport. The only shade will be under the wings of airplanes and the kind of shade people bring with them.

“Tomorrow is obviously my bigger concern with the heat,” Amburgey said. “Today was the cool day unfortunately.”

He suspects his treatment numbers Sunday may be higher.

The show took several measures to anticipate the heat, this year and last. Ambulances were parked near a pair of medical tents. The show has misting stations strategically located so passers-by could enjoy a cooling breeze. Free water refill stations could be seen. Bottles of water were plentiful in some locations.

And many of the guests had the right idea, wearing light clothing and bringing umbrellas with them.

Amburgey stressed the need to drink water and electrolyte drinks —and keep drinking them.

He advised wearing light-colored clothing, not dark clothing, and clothing that allows moisture wicking.

The U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team performs during the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the Dayton International Airport. NICK GRAHAM / STAFF

icon to expand image

“The biggest thing is, everybody is sitting out here all day not moving,” he said. “Even though they’re hydrating, they’re not hydrating enough. And when they stand up to leave at the end of the day, they’re dehydrated. They’re getting light-headed and passing out as they’re leaving.”

About the Author