Medical support to the supporters – what it takes

The names Mediclinic and ER24 are synonymous with expert event medical support, but sometimes supporting an event requires more than just supporting the players. 

During the upcoming rugby test match between South Africa and the Barbarians in Cape Town, Mediclinic and ER24 will not only support the players but will also provide medical support to the spectators attending the event. This provides a different scope of practice and a few surprising considerations!

Mediclinic has demonstrated their expertise in eventing medicine for over 2 decades, covering numerous mass participation events. With strong experience and an earned reputation for successfully supporting high-profile events such as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, the Absa Cape Epic and the Cape Town Cycle Tour. “Our experience extends across multiple sporting codes including road cycling, mountain biking, marathon running and even triathlons – each with unique challenges and diverse requirements,” explains Dr Darren Green, Event Chief Medical Officer for Mediclinic Southern Africa.

Partner ER24 also boasts a long history with all levels of rugby. ER24 currently operates as the emergency medical partner to both Boksmart and Spineline. ER24 is the appointed emergency medical provider to 4 of the country's professional rugby franchises and provides spectator medical support at their respective stadiums. ER24 has provided emergency medical support to the last 3 British and Irish Lions tours to South Africa, the HSBC SVNS tournaments in Cape Town, and numerous Springbok test matches each year.

Tristan Manning, - Event Risk and Disaster Manager emphasises where their efforts start, “Planning! First off, we complete a risk profile of the event, which roles and responsibilities to the field side will factor in our team and the spectators attending. Needs are based on the number of expected supporters, the design or layout of a stadium in conjunction with historical data. Then we consider the time of year and any additional events around the main match. We use this information to scale our medical solution to ensure we comply with all the legislative and sporting discipline requirements, and ultimately provide the best possible care.”

Logically, preparation differs on the spectator side based on the expected numbers. The more spectators, the bigger the deployment, which then translates to more staff, equipment, consumables and ambulances.

In contrast to supporting a specific profile of athletes, planning for a stadium event with a varied profile of attendees offers a far broader scope in terms of preparing for medical emergencies. “There are certainly factors that can influence the patient profile that are treated on the spectator side. Alcohol is a prime example, but it is the less obvious ones that people normally do not think or plan around that can increase the number of patients at an event,” Manning outlines. “For example, environmental exposure. Cold and wet conditions can result in patients seeking medical assistance. Hot conditions can result in patients seeking assistance for sunburn and dehydration. Dehydration is also exacerbated by alcohol consumption. Rugby in South Africa is also a family affair, so trips and falls are common among the young and elderly. We are also putting a lot of people into a space for fun and excitement.”

With more spectators comes the possibility of being presented with a patient suffering from a pre-existing medical condition, or there could even be a maternity case. Mediclinic and ER24 are responsible for planning around the medical requirements for every eventuality at a mass gathering event.

“We are committed to delivering comprehensive medical support to the South African Rugby Union, rugby franchises, players, spectators, and all supporting personnel at every match we are involved in, ensuring that each individual's experience within the stadium is free of concern should an unforeseen medical incident befall them,” assures Manning.

“Mediclinic is well-respected as a global leader in healthcare. Our innovation in healthcare is intentional, and so is the quest for excellence, patient safety and care. We are honoured to be part of athletes and spectators both realising and appreciating their dreams,” concludes Dr Green.