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Over 3,000 Mumbai Marathon participants needed medical attention

About 400 employees from the Asian Heart Institute, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, nutritionist and other staff, were roped in to handle injuries during the marathon.

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With the Mumbai Marathon attracting enthusiastic participants of all age groups, the doctors at the Asian Heart Institute, which was in-charge of medical emergencies at the marathon, had a busy day on Sunday.

“At least 3,000 participants were treated at our medical tent. Most of them had cramps or sprains or were dehydrated,” said Dr Vijay D’Silva, director, medical affairs and critical care at the institute. “There were no serious injuries,” he said.

Five of those who were treated had to be admitted to the hospital. One had fallen down and injured his head, two runners were exhausted, another man was vomiting and one was extremely dehydrated, D’Silva said.

About 400 employees from the Asian Heart Institute, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, nutritionist and other staff, were roped in to handle injuries during the marathon. Ten 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 from dehydration were given pre-mixed electrol solution. Three people had to be given intravenous saline, said D’Silva.

Having completed the half marathon, Vivek Bajaj, collapsed just outside the medical camp, and was treated for acute dehydration. “He was determined to finish the half marathon. We are proud of him,” said Tejas Ajmera, who had come to cheer his friend.
A little bit of electrol revived 43-year-old Sushma Sahu. “The heat was intolerable,” explained the school teacher from Virar who completed the half marathon.

“We probably underestimated the sun. Everyone thought it would be nice and breezy on the sea link but that wasn’t the case. It was really hot and the absence of any shade on the sea link only added to the heat. The direct impact of the sun [on the athletes’ bodies] made it even worse,” said Hugh Jones, race director, Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon.

About 40-odd patients, all above the age of 50, who had undergone angioplasty, bypass surgery or were patients of heart disease, also participated in the half marathon. “They had been training for a long time and were able to successfully finish the race,” said D’Silva.

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