OPENING & CLOSING CEREMONIES
AID STATION STAFFING
• The main aid station was staffed with six EMS personnel ( a combination of Paramedic and EMTs ), five RNs , multiple RN students , two dedicated physicians , and three roaming physicians available to flex to any area as needed .
• A secondary first aid station ( concourse level ) was staffed with two EMTs , one physician , two nurses , and two nursing students .
• Field-level first aid was staffed with four EMTs / paramedics , one physician , and two RNs .
• Two aid stations located at The World Games Plaza was staffed with one physician and a minimum of four nurses , with the ability to contract or flex up as needed
MOST FREQUENT ILLNESS / INJURY SEEN
• Heat-related illness ( majority )
• Chest pain
• Orthopedic injuries ( sprains mostly )
• Lacerations
CHALLENGES
There were numerous challenges given the outdoor temperatures , complexity of the event , multiple layers of security , and the large crowds , including :
• Getting to individuals seated in the middle of stadium seating rows and transporting them to a medical station for care .
• Assessing people with potential medical needs outside of the station due to the size of the crowds and dim lighting .
• A high outdoor heat temperature index of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit ( 38 degrees Celsius ) added heat emergencies with people walking distances from outside of the venue .
• The Central Air Conditioning malfunctioned at the main first aid station during opening ceremonies . Multiple cooling fans had to be added throughout the aid station for direct cooling .
WHAT WORKED WELL
• Operations were well-staffed throughout the stadium and at the aid stations . This allowed rapid transport of patients to on-site medical aid stations for physician evaluation and treatment as necessary .
• On-site level of care and expertise , as well as well-stocked , available supplies , allowed for treatment of patients on site and eliminated the need for local emergency department visits , which could have further taxed local resources .
• For patients who did require transport , ambulances were immediately available to transport them to local emergency departments .
• On-site communication with the incident command was made possible by having Fire and Rescue personnel with radios in the aid stations at all times .
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE GAMES
• Post highly visible signage indicating the locations of the aid stations throughout the stadium .
• If excessive temperatures are present , consider increasing IV fluid supplies in the initial inventory of these items .
• Have dedicated radios available to the aid station physician and nursing staff , to allow for better communication with and mobility of fire and EMS resources .
The World Games Playbook : Event and Medical Overview 19