DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — Multiple heat-related medical emergencies were reported Thursday afternoon during Central Bucks School District graduation ceremonies, prompting EMS and advanced life support responses across the district.
Emergency dispatchers began receiving calls shortly after 1:25 p.m. as temperatures approached 90 degrees during commencement ceremonies for Central Bucks East, Central Bucks South and Central Bucks West.
The district had moved the ceremonies to 12:30 p.m. due to forecasted evening thunderstorms and concerns over extreme heat later in the day. The ceremonies were held outdoors.
Warrington Township officials later said public safety crews faced several challenges due to the extreme heat during the Central Bucks South High School 2026 Commencement. According to Warrington Township Emergency Management, on-site medical personnel assessed approximately 19 people and transported 5 patients to local hospitals. Officials said that total does not include anyone who may have gone to the hospital by private vehicle.
Warrington Township Emergency Management said representatives from Warrington Township Police, Warrington Community Ambulance Corps, Warrington Fire Co. #1 and WTDES worked together to provide a safe and secure event for students, staff, families and visitors. Bucks County Emergency Management and Bucks County 911 dispatchers were also thanked for their assistance.
Additional EMS responses were reported at other Central Bucks graduation ceremony locations, though patient totals and transport numbers for CB East and CB West were not immediately confirmed.
Thursday’s heat created difficult conditions for graduates, families, staff and first responders attending the outdoor ceremonies. Health officials routinely urge people attending outdoor events in hot weather to drink plenty of water, seek shade when possible, and watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion, including dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, weakness and confusion.
This is a developing story. Additional details will be provided as more information becomes available.
