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!

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 been 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 exchange 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.