Doctors on the trail

[JarradVZ]

Morning Hubbers.

 

Allow me to explain...

 

This last weekend the Natro Berg and Bush (fantastic race) introduced a novel concept. They had two qualified doctors (dressed in recognizable race kit and carrying cetain medical equipment and drugs) riding the race, one in the middle of the field and one towards the back.

 

We then stopped and assisted at any injuries we came accross and could also communicate via radio with ambulance paramedics.

 

We seemed to be well received, we could get to parts of the trail that were inaccessible even to quad bikes and were better qualified than the paramedics to give on-the-spot treatment. As an example: On Sunday a guy dislocated his shoulder, within 20 - 30 minutes I had got to him, administered Morphine and relocated the shoulder joint right there on the side of the trail.

 

Do you think this concept is one which should be extended to other races?

TimHenman2009-11-03 02:07:41

[Face Plant]

YES i think its a brilliant idea!

[Karl Beaton]

good idea ...

[JarradVZ]

Well Face Plant, going by your name you would need us a bit more than others...

[Moab]

Nice idea!! I have come across some dof medics! I came across a guy at the bottom of a drop off at a race earlier in the year with a broken collar bone. The paramedic was not hundreds clued up and had him standing in the trail!! Come along fellow mtb-er me and within minutes a fellow cyclist and I had the guy strapped and all the medic had to do was load the bike and rush the guy to a doc. So yes, a doc would be great for mtb races!!

 

 

[SteelyDan]

Tim - the concept worked really well at the B&B. Hope it spreads...

[Kranswurm]

Good idea

BTW I suggest you edit your poll to prevent multiple voting

[JarradVZ]

Thanks SteelyDan, I thought so too.

[Face Plant]

my point exactly

 

on a more serious note Tim as you know in the event of a serious accident the golden hour is very important to get treatment and correct me if im wrong here but only certain paramedics can administer drugs so if im lying next to the trail with a broken femur i would cetainly like a doctor on hand to administer some morphin !!

[JarradVZ]

Some of the medics are allowed to give opioids like Morphine but all are very hesitant as they usually have very little experience with these drugs.

[JarradVZ]

Good idea

BTW I suggest you edit your poll to prevent multiple voting

Done.

[JarradVZ]

Ok, who's the Grey's Anatomy clown?

Seriously.

[wynandvdmerwe]

How about a dentist on route? If you crash and chip or brake a tooth, I will supply you with a veneer/crown within 40 minutes, and you could be smiling on the podium once you have finished.haha!!!!

[crashtestdummy]

I have had an experience where a paramedic gave me a pat on the back and told me I'll be ok, thank F&^% friends who took a look at my helmet rushed me off to hospital to find that I had broken my neck. While I don't think it would be right to assume all paramedics are usless, there is a place for them at races.

What would happen to the price of race entries if all of a sudden there needed to be 3/4 doctors around. One needs to keep in mind what the difference between paramedics and doctors is and what function they perform.

 

my2c

[JarradVZ]

Point taken. It would not be necessary to replace all medics with doctors but just to have one or two marshalling the troops and making referral decisions.

Expense? I'm not sure, I need to look into how much these companies are charging to cover a race.

[crashtestdummy]

If you're out in the sticks it's essential to have a doctor on hand/call.