With 10 urgent care locations and three 24/7 ERs, Renown is prepared to care for conditions ranging from Playa Foot, Playa Lung to dehydration and life-threatening emergencies.
Burning Man is an annual event that brings together more than 70,000 people to the high-altitude Black Rock Desert for a week of art, music and community. From Aug. 24 to Sept. 1, participants will face extreme conditions including heat, dust and the challenges of living in a temporary city. These factors can lead to minor illnesses and injuries, as well as more serious medical emergencies.
As Nevada’s only not-for-profit academic health system, Renown Health is committed to saving lives, nurturing minds and caring for all people- including Burners returning from and in the desert. With 10 urgent care locations across northern Nevada and three 24/7 emergency rooms, Renown offers accessible, same-day care for non-life-threatening conditions as well as specialized emergency services for the most serious medical needs.
“The Burning Man Project has done an excellent job preparing participants to have a safe and healthy time on the playa. Still, bringing tens of thousands of people together in a high-altitude desert environment with limited access to water, food and typical sanitary conditions can present challenges,” says Bret Frey, MD, president of Western Emergency Physicians, interim chair, Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine and leader of the team that provides emergency services for Renown Health.
“We welcome every Burner to northern Nevada,” says Thomas Chmelicek, Division Chief of Renown Urgent Care. “Most participants have a fantastic experience, but dust, heat and dehydration often take a toll. Renown’s ten urgent care locations are here for quick, convenient treatment of conditions like Playa Foot, Playa Lung, sprains, cuts and minor burns. And if a more serious emergency arises, our three ERs are ready around the clock.”
Where to Go for Care
Renown Urgent Care has 10 locations in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fallon and Fernley. The Fernley location is the closest urgent care site to Black Rock City, making it a convenient option for participants returning from the desert. All locations, except Fallon, are open seven days a week with extended hours, and all offer convenient online “get in line” scheduling at renown.org/UrgentCare, as well as walk-in availability.
Urgent Care is Best For
- Cough, cold and flu symptoms;
- Sprains, strains and minor fractures;
- Cuts, burns and wound care;
- Rashes, allergic reactions and stings;
- Playa Foot and Playa Lung symptoms;
- Dehydration and heat-related illness.
Renown operates three emergency rooms: Renown Regional Medical Center, the region’s only Level II Trauma Center with helipads and ambulance bays; Renown Children’s Hospital, northern Nevada’s only pediatric ER designed for kids and staffed by pediatric specialists; and Renown South Meadows Medical Center, South Reno’s first 24/7 ER, conveniently located off I-580.
The ER is Best For
- Heart attack or stroke symptoms;
- Severe bleeding or head injuries;
- Seizures;
- Severe pain or breathing difficulty;
- Chest pains;
- Venomous stings and bites.
Unique Playa Health Concerns
The Black Rock Desert is part of the ancient Lake Lahontan lakebed, leaving fine alkali dust that coats everything in Black Rock City. This dust can cause two health conditions common to Burning Man:
- Playa Foot: A chemical burn caused by alkali dust on the skin. Prevention includes wearing socks and closed shoes, applying moisturizing lotion before bed and keeping feet covered.
- Playa Lung: Caused by inhaling dust particles, leading to coughing, throat irritation and temporary voice loss. It can worsen asthma, COPD and other lung conditions. Masks, hydration and dust protection are recommended.
“Playa Lung may cause coughing, throat pain and voice loss in the short term,” says William Graham, MD, a pulmonary and critical care physician at Renown Health. “The dust can create health risks for smokers, children, older adults and people with pre-existing lung conditions. If symptoms persist beyond a week or two, a doctor’s visit is recommended.” New patients can find a primary care provider and schedule appointments as a guest at here.
On Site Medical Response
A community of EMTs, paramedics, nurses, medical students and physicians are on site at Black Rock City in RVs to provide emergency response and urgent care to participants as needed.
All Renown’s physicians remind people that if they are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, they should go to the closest emergency room (ER) to get medical care needed. Delaying care for a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke, can be life threatening or lead to serious complications.
Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit academic health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health.
