MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR MULTIEVENT SPORTS COMPETITION - A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF INJURIES IN THE 1994 STAR-OF-THE-NORTH SUMMER-GAMES

Objective: To determine the incidence and type of requests for medical assistance and the treatment required in 21 sports at the 1994 Star o f the North Summer Games and to develop a plan, based on these finding s, for efficient allocation of medical supplies and staff. Design: We reviewed our experience with a large multisport amateur athletic event and analyzed the pattern of injuries for participants in the various sports. Material and Methods: Injury evaluation forms and medical supp ly kits were given to the health-care volunteers, who received prelimi nary instructions on classifications and definitions of injuries and o n appropriate completion of the forms, When a medical contact occurred , an evaluation form was completed, The data from these forms were sub sequently compiled and analyzed. Results: Of 6,243 athletes who partic ipated in the 1994 Star of the North Summer Games, 55 (0.88%) received medical attention (2 officials also required medical assistance). The sports with the greatest number of medical contacts were soccer and t rack and field-31 and 16 contacts for medical assistance, respectively , The lower extremities were the anatomic site most frequently involve d in injury (62% of the medical contacts). The most common types of in jury were contusions, strains, and sprains. Conclusion: Because few in juries were sustained and most mere of minor severity, basic medical s upplies (such as ice bags and compression wraps) mere sufficient, For locations with a scarcity of medical personnel, a triage system can be established in which athletic trainers or registered nurses manage th e initial assessments and refer cases, as needed, to physicians for sp ecialized care, An effective communication system can also considerabl y reduce volunteer hours.