Mumbai Marathon: Dehydration and cramps most common injuries

With the Mumbai marathon attracting enthusiastic participants of all age groups, the doctors in charge of medical emergencies at the marathon had a busy day on Sunday.

“At least 2,500 participants were treated at our medical tents. Most of them had cramps or sprains or were dehydrated,” said Dr Vijay D’Silva, director, medical affairs and critical care at the Asian Heart Institute which was in charge of the overall medical arrangements at the event.

“There were eight critical cases. All of them were given basic treatment at the Asian Heart Institute base camp and later transported to Bombay Hospital and Asian Heart Institute,” added Dr D’Silva.

Of the eight serious patients, one had fallen down and injured his head, one had a heart attack, three were severely dehydrated, two had chest pain and one was vomiting blood.

About 350 employees from the Asian Heart Institute, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, nutritionists and other staff were roped in to handle injuries during the marathon.

Eight ambulances were on standby all along the marathon route that stretched from CST to Marine Drive and to Bandra. There were 10 medical stations equipped to handle emergencies along the route as well.

While sprays and ice-packs were offered to alleviate cramps, those suffering dehydration were given pre-mixed Electrol solution. Three people had to be given intravenous saline, said D’Silva.

On a positive front, six cardiac patients from Cumballa Hill Hospital successfully completed the 6km Dream Run despite their age and a history of heart illness.

The doctors from the hospital had trained the six to participate in the Dream Run in Mumbai Marathon 2011. Dr Kirti Nigalye, consultant in preventive and cardiac rehab at Cumballa Hill Hospital, along with a team of specialists, had been conducting training workshops for these patients keeping in mind their cardiac history.

Some of the participants had had two surgeries and were in their 70s.