SPECTATOR FIRST AID MEDICAL VOLUNTEER STAFFING
SUMMARY
In preparation for The World Games 2022 in Birmingham , care of the events ’ spectators became a priority , with initial projections of attendees ranging from 350,000 to 500,000 individuals . Final numbers of attendees were lower than projections , but during planning , staffing models were designed to adequately care for large numbers of spectators with various anticipated illness / injury patterns , the most significant of which would be heat-related illness . In total , there were over 1,100 medical volunteers recruited from health care systems across the greater Birmingham area . The University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System provided the largest number of personnel , but partner institutions that had individuals volunteer included Ascension Health Systems , Grandview Medical Center , Baptist Health System , Callahan Eye Hospital , Bevill State Community College , Samford University School of Nursing , and UAB School of Nursing . These volunteers allowed for a consistent presence to provide care to the spectators at 18 different venues , housing a total of 24 total spectator medical aid stations .
STAFFING MODEL
• Ideal staffing for each aid station : 3-4 registered nurses , 1 physician , and 2-4 EMS personnel from the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service
• For sites that had two aid stations in relatively close proximity , a single physician could be utilized and called to each station as needed .
• Mid-level , Advanced Practice Providers ( nurse practitioners or physician assistants ) with current licensure could serve as a physician surrogate if a physician was not available to cover the needed shift .
• The 2-4 EMS personnel would assist with communication , transportation , and patient care as requested .
• Nursing students were utilized as force multipliers at various aid stations to provide extra personnel .
• Three “ roving ” physicians with accessibility to all venues could move around and quickly respond to venue or aid station requests if additional personnel were needed .
• Standardized medical care protocols were available to each aid station and facilitated prompt treatment by all credentialed medical volunteers . Medical oversight with a physician provider was available through telephonic or telemedicine services if a provider was not immediately on-site .
The World Games Playbook : Event and Medical Overview 15