Skills and qualifications: a sharp eye and lightning reflexes

Back in the November 2009 issue of iRun, Dr. Bruce Minnes shared what a “typical” day in the med tent of a major marathon event looked like.   While I really enjoyed the article, I have to say, I didn’t really “get” it.  And I didn’t even know that I didn’t get it until I spent a few hours in the finish chute at the Ottawa Marathon.

In the article, Dr. Minnes says: “Our crew “cruises the chute,” wheel-chairs ready, keeping keen eyes out for those runners demonstrating symptoms that make them medical-tent material.”  With all due respect, I don’t think this description really does the job justice.

The volunteers were in the chute just sort of cheering with the rest of us.  One or two went forward to check on the early finishers with routine barfing and wobbling issues.  Then the pack started coming in.  Think back to a recent race you’ve done, and remember what it was like – you crossed the finish line, you were elbow to elbow as everyone came to a relative halt, dozens of people in every direction.  Remember that?

Okay, now picture this: amidst all of that chaos, there are red shirts darting in and out of the crowd, somehow managing not to impede the flow through the chute.  Like hawks spotting mice in tall grass from 100 metres in the air, these people picked out the runners-in-trouble with superhuman accuracy.

Despite all of the noise and traffic, I think I only saw two “wobblers” actually hit the ground – everyone else was either caught by hand, or plopped in a wheelchair before they went down.  I was amazed by these folks and their preternatural ability to tell the difference between people who were hurting and people who were in trouble; people who’d be able to walk it off, and people who’d need a little help – because frankly, every person they approached would try to wave them off, saying “I’m okay! I’m fine!”

I doubt I am even doing them justice now, but I am telling you, it was like nothing I’ve ever seen.  Well done, medical team!  I am in awe.