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Emergency Medical Services for Collegiate Football Games: A Six and One-Half Year Review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

William D. Rose*
Affiliation:
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, W.V.
Sherry L. Laird
Affiliation:
Trauma Coordinator, West Virginia University Hospitals, Inc., Morgantown, W.V.
John E. Prescott
Affiliation:
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, W.V.
Gerald B. Kuhns
Affiliation:
Supervisor, Emergency Services, Monongalia County Emergency Services, Inc., Morgantown, W.V.
*
Department of Emergency Medicine, Ruby Memorial Hospital, P.O. Box 8220, Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506USA

Abstract

An emergency medical services (EMS) system involving paramedic and physician coverage at collegiate football games is described. Injury data for six and one-half years were reviewed. During this period, the data indicated that 313 patients sought medical care, either at the first-aid stations on-scene or at a local hospital emergency department. Lacerations and abrasions were the most common presenting complaints, totaling 20%. Bee stings were the second most common injury. One paramedic per 5,000 and one physician per 30,000 spectators appear to be adequate coverage for this type of event, although preplanning for a mass influx of patients is a necessity. Recommendations are provided for some basic personal and health needs of spectators at mass gatherings.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 1992

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