Medical facilities and encounters at the 2010 vancouver winter olympic games

Abstract

BackgroundEpidemiological data and logistical details are crucial pieces of information for organisers of medical care at mass sporting events.ObjectiveTo outline the medical facilities at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and to report the epidemiology of medical encounters.DesignProspective descriptive study.SettingNine competition venues, six non-competition venues and two Polyclinics (Vancouver and Whistler). Medical services were available at all venues. The Polyclinics housed an inter-disciplinary team of health-care professionals. Imaging modalities (including CT and MRI) were on-site at the Polyclinics.Participants2567 athletes, 82 National Olympic Committees, an estimated 4000 Officials, 25 000 Workforce/Volunteers, 10 000 Performers and 10 000 Media. Medical Services included 1560 volunteers and 19 full-time staff.AssessmentMedical encounters were entered into a Medical Encounter Database (ATOS Origin). Games-Time reporting period was February 4th to 28th, inclusive. Computers were located at each Venue.Main outcome measureMedical encounters.ResultsThere were 9038 medical encounters (8198 accredited; 840 spectator). The busiest venues were the Whistler Polyclinic (n=3124) and Vancouver Polyclinic (n=2930). Of the competition venues, the busiest were Whistler Sliding Centre (bobsleigh/luge/skeleton), Canada Hockey Place and Pacific Coliseum (figure skating and short track speed skating). Venues with the greatest number of spectator medical encounters were Canada Hockey Place (n=186), B.C. Place Stadium (Opening/Closing Ceremonies) (n=128) and UBC Sports Centre (hockey) (n=90). Sports with the highest and lowest athlete medical encounters were Alpine Skiing and Nordic Combined, respectively. The majority of encounters were musculoskeletal (MSK) (n=29%). There were 131 ground ambulance transfers and seven air ambulance extractions/transfers resulting in 14 hospital admissions and 43 outpatient visits.ConclusionThe majority of medical encounters were seen at the Polyclinics. Although most were MSK, there was a high demand for other disciplines such as Dental and Imaging. Multi-disciplinary Polyclinics equipped with primary and ancillary services are essential at future Games.

Providing cultural care behind the spotlight at the Olympic Games

“…In contrast, the Vancouver Winter Olympics reported 287 injuries among 11% of athletes for a rate of 111.8/1000 . It is noteworthy that there was also a surprisingly high demand for ophthalmology services and urgent dental care …”

“…7 It is noteworthy that there was also a surprisingly high demand for ophthalmology services and urgent dental care. 15 Fatalities during competition are rare, but not impossible. In the summer Olympics, mortality may be associated with exhaustion or infection compared with winter games where accidents are more likely to cause fatalities.…”

Improving Olympic Health Services: What are the Common Health Care Planning Issues?

“…All reports recognized that early development of effective relationships is vital to clarify roles with national organizations, including emergency and security services, national government ministries, and law enforcement authorities. All Olympic reports [42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50] would have been more helpful if they had been scientifically rigorous, including standardization of data reported and standardization of definitions. Despite recommendations to address the demand for health care/primary care from the Olympic workforce, usage from this group remains higher during and after the Games than for athletes, or any other individuals, involved in the Olympic Games.…”