9 - MEDICAL INFORMATION
The Follow Vehicle Crew is responsible for the immediate safety and well being of the Runner. They must NOT let the Runner become a medical statistic. Be Alert! Watch the Runner at all times. Watch for signs of fatigue, dehydration, and for physical exhaustion! The Follow Vehicle Crew must be prepared to take immediate steps to Prevent a Medical Emergency.
Because of the extreme difficulty
in trying to determine the Runners physical status from the Follow Vehicle, it
would be wise to have someone with running experience riding as an observer,
possibly an Alternate Runner. The crew
must make every effort to keep the runner cool, and to slow them down if they
show any signs of a problem. Almost
without exception, all previous medical emergencies could have been prevented
or sharply reduced, if the Follow Vehicle Crew had taken prompt, appropriate
action. For additional information,
refer to the Follow Vehicle Manual.
MEDICAL DEPLOYMENT
A Medical Crew of trained and licensed EMT will be on call at each Stage to supply emergency care when needed. Past history has shown the majority of emergency calls are made in the first six stages. A first‑aid station will be established near stage three. This station will be supplied with a Doctor, Nurses, and EMT's who will determine if a Downed Runner requires further medical attention. Ground ambulance transportation will be available to move Downed Runners to the first‑aid area or to the hospital. Air evacuation will be on hand for emergencies that require immediate hospitalization.
MEDICAL PROBLEMS
FATIGUE
The medical
dictionary defines fatigue as the "Temporary loss of power to respond,
induced in a sensory receptor or motor end organ, by continued
stimulation" ‑‑ translation, even though the mind says
"go on" the body begins to rebel.
Rubber legs is the first sign that the Runner is headed for
trouble. When Runners legs begin to
stiffen they will begin to stagger and look like they are running in pain, They
Are! This is the time to take
action. Slow them down and make sure
that they drink plenty of water. If
necessary, make them walk awhile. Above
all, Don't urge them on!
DEHYDRATION
This is the
common cause of most of the Medical Emergencies. Dehydration cannot be determined (In the high temperature, low
humidity conditions of the desert) by
the quantity of sweat generated. Sweat
evaporates immediately to cool the body.
It is therefore mandatory that the Runners drink water periodically
throughout their race. Do Not assume
that spraying water on a hot Runner will forestall dehydration.
Offer the Runners a sip of water on a timely
basis. Don't ask if they want water,
offer it to them! Even so, some Runners
will refuse water right up to the time they PASS OUT! During the heat of the day, make certain that you watch their
water intake. Spraying water on the
Runner is to be used in Addition to Drinking, Not as a substitute. It is more of a comfort aid, rather than a
positive means of cooling the core temperature of the Runners body. If it is apparent to you that the Runner is
suffering the beginning signs of dehydration, pull them over and get them into
some shade. Make them sip water and
douse them with water to cool them down.
Don't let them proceed until fit.
EXHAUSTION
This can range from simple physical exhaustion to Heatstroke. It most certainly can be prevented by proper care and attention to the Runner by the Follow Vehicle personnel! Simple physical exhaustion is when the Runner just plain runs out of gas. This is usually the result of not being physically conditioned prior to the race. If the Runners have been properly hydrated throughout the race and seem to be slowing down, they are fatigued and probably nearing physical exhaustion. Slow the Runner down! Don't encourage the Runners to try harder! Watch them carefully for other signs!
9 - medical information
HEAT EXHAUSTION
This is difficult to predict from the Follow Vehicle. Once it occurs and the Runner goes down, the symptoms are weakness, nausea, dizziness, weak and rapid pulse, and probably profuse sweating (if they have ben properly hydrated). Watch for telltale signs:
The Runner who has refused to drink for a long period of
time.
Possible changes in the Runners head color (temperature).
Changes in the Runners leg movements! (rubber legs).
Attitude or personality changes.
If the Runners
seem pale, weak, depressed, or any of the other symptoms, take immediate
action. Slow or stop them immediately
and make further determinations. Get
the Runner into the shade and have them lie down. Rehydrate with small sips of water. If immediate action if NOT taken, the Runner could suffer from
Heatstroke! If the Runner needs medical
assistance, have someone go to the nearest Ham Radio Operator and ask for a
Medic to come to your aid. In extreme
cases, forget the race, transport him/her to the nearest check point and get
aid!
HEATSTROKE
Heatstroke is the result of letting a situation get completely out of
hand. It is usually the result of the
Follow Vehicle personnel NOT observing any of the above indications. Heatstroke most usually results in
unconsciousness by the Runner. This is
a VERY serious condition and requires immediate Medical Attention. Symptoms will include redness of the face,
dilated pupils, very hot skin with a full but slow pulse.
Get the
Runner into shade immediately! Send
someone to the closest Ham Radio Operator and have them radio for Medical
Assistance! In the meantime remove or
loosen any of the Runners restrictive clothing. Bathe the Runner liberally in cold water and ice to reduce the
body temperature as quickly as possible.
Do Not give water to an unconscious person!
PREVENTION
The key to a safe and successful Team is the
attention that the Follow Vehicle Crew
gives to their Runners. They must be
ever alert for signs of trouble or the Runner will suffer the serious
consequences.
Watch the RUNNER at all times for signs of DISTRESS:
- Refusal to drink water.
- Or worse yet, it wasn't
offered!
- Runner is beginning to
slow down and seems disoriented or in obvious physical distress.
- Runner is running on
rubber legs, weaving around, staggering, stumbling, falling, heading into the
desert, talking crazy, not talking,
- etc., etc.
Take immediate action before the Runner becomes a
statistic.
Be aware, there are no roadside emergency phones,
and cellular phone service is sporadic to nonexistent. All Stages will have Ham Radio Operators who
can handle Emergency Communications.
All Stages will have a Medic Team in attendance. If needed, the Hams can radio for a Medic to
respond to your location.