@article{ref1,
title="Medical and disaster preparedness of US marathons",
journal="Prehospital and disaster medicine",
year="2015",
author="Glick, Joshua and Rixe, Jeffrey and Spurkeland, Nancy and Brady, Jodi and Silvis, Matthew L. and Olympia, Robert P.",
volume="30",
number="4",
pages="344-350",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Despite the events that occurred at the 2013 Boston Marathon (Boston, Massachusetts USA), there are currently no evidence-based guidelines or published data regarding medical and disaster preparedness of marathon races in the United States. <br><br>PURPOSE To determine the current state of medical disaster preparedness of marathons in the US and to identify potential areas for improvement. <br><br>METHODS: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted from January through May of 2014. The questionnaire was distributed to race directors of US road and trail marathons, as identified by a comprehensive internet database. <br><br>RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three questionnaires were available for analysis (19% usable response rate). Marathon races from all major regions of the US were represented. Runner medical information was not listed on race bibs in 53% of races. Only 45% of races held group training and planning sessions prior to race day. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were immediately available on 50% of courses, and medications such as albuterol (30%), oxygen (33%), and IV fluids (34%) were available less frequently. Regarding medical emergencies, 55% of races did not have protocols for the assessment of dehydration, asthma, chest pain, syncope, or exercise-induced cramping. With regard to disaster preparedness, 50% of races did not have protocols for the management of disasters, and 21% did not provide security personnel at start/finish lines, aid stations, road crossings, and drop bag locations. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Areas for improvement in the preparedness of US marathons were identified, such as including printed medical information on race bibs, increasing pre-race training and planning sessions for volunteers, ensuring the immediate availability of certain emergency equipment and medications, and developing written protocols for specific emergencies and disasters. Glick J Rixe JA Spurkeland N Brady J Silvis M Olympia RP. Medical and disaster preparedness of US marathons. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(4):1-7.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1049-023X",
doi="10.1017/S1049023X15004859",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X15004859"
}