A Community-Based Model for Medical Management of a Large Scale Sporting Event

OBJECTIVE: To develop and assess a community-based model for medical coverage for a large multisport event. DESIGN: The model included pre-event risk stratification, a concise training program for all medical volunteers, and detailed medical control guidelines. Prospective data collection was performed using standardized injury reporting forms. SETTING: The 2005 World Masters Games in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. PATIENTS: Approximately 21,600 athletes between the ages of 25 and 97 who were participants in the World Masters Games. INTERVENTIONS: A 4-category risk scale was developed and applied to each sport. Medical volunteers were provided intensive training and guided by concise medical control guidelines. Medical encounters were recorded using a standardized injury report form. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of injury by sport. Rate of ambulance transportation. Rate of medication use. Relevance of medical control guidelines. RESULTS: Medical coverage for over 80 venues was provided by 243 volunteers. A total of 1767 medical encounters were documented, with an overall injury rate of 8.2% (95% CI, 7.9 to 8.5). The majority of injuries were of a minor nature. Only 35 (0.16%) athletes had injuries that required medication or ambulance transportation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation was required in only 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of injury during the World Masters Games appears to be low, and the risk of severe injury is extremely low. The described community-based model for medical coverage for multi-sport events appears to be safe and practical.