With close to 27,000 participants set to take part in this weekend’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon, event organisers are continuing to deliver world standard event safety and medical practices.

A dedicated ‘mini hospital’ in the event’s Nu-Pure Recovery Area with doctors, nurses and physiotherapists; Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics on course; St Johns first aid responders at the finish line; and, SES members, comprise many of the medical and safety personnel for this major Queensland event.

Director of Intensive Care Gold Coast University Hospital Dr Brent Richards has been director of the internal medical centre or ‘mini hospital’ at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon for more than 10 years.

Dr Richards said the event medical centre, which consists of two coordinators, six doctors, 10 nurses and six finish line staff, is a ‘mini hospital’ on site prepared to treat thousands of runners over the weekend.

“Our team is all set for this year’s event,” Dr Richards said. “We’ve been doing it for a number of years, so it is a prepared and well-oiled machine.

“There is so much work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure the safety of our participants and we will continue to innovate as we head towards the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

To ensure the health and safety of runners and spectators, the QAS will have resources along the course of each race across the weekend.

QAS Gold Coast Operations Supervisor Stuart Cutajar said they are providing six vehicles and 12 paramedics on Saturday, and 11 vehicles and 22 paramedics on Sunday.

“In addition, we’ll have a Forward Commander overseeing our resources on site, an officer stationed in the Joint Emergency Services Coordination Centre (JESCC) and a specialist Argo all-terrain vehicle to give us access to all areas around the course.

“Our resources will be spread throughout the course, from Drake Avenue in Paradise Point south to the marathon southern turn at First Avenue in Burleigh Heads, to support the participants at any stage of the event and to assist any residents on or near the course in an emergency situation.”

As in previous years, QAS paramedics expect to treat a wide range of injuries and illnesses this weekend ranging from minor injuries such as blisters, strains and sprains, through to more serious conditions.

Stuart, who will compete in Saturday’s Southern Cross University 10km Run before donning his uniform to work at the event on Sunday, reminded everyone attending the marathon to be sun-smart and stay well hydrated.

“Whether you are competing in an event or enjoying it as a spectator, remember that sun protection is a must, and please ensure you drink plenty of water, even if it doesn’t feel hot,” he said.

“If you experience difficulties during the event, please seek medical attention from a QAS paramedic, St Johns volunteers, SES members or event staff.

“If there is no support in your immediate vicinity, you may need to ask a spectator to help you contact Triple Zero (000) and advise the Emergency Medical Dispatcher you are competing in the event.”

To further assist with the protection of participants and spectators on course, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon also employs more than 400 road marshals, traffic controllers and Queensland Police Service officers to man the Gold Coast streets and driveways along the course.

Gold Coast Airport Marathon Medical & Safety Practices 

• Internal Medical Centre comprising two coordinators, six doctors, 10 nurses and six finish line staff
• Queensland Ambulance Service comprising six vehicles and 12 paramedics on Saturday, and 11 vehicles and 22 paramedics on Sunday
• St Johns Ambulance first aid responders located at every aid station and roam the course on bicycles
• Athlete Support Vehicles travel up and down the course attending to participants requiring medical attention or transport to the External Medical Centre
• QAS responders, SES volunteers and St Johns Ambulance first aiders stationed at the finish line
• Nu Pure Recovery Area comprising the Internal Medical Centre, physiotherapy centre, first aid tent, misting arch, fruit, water and Endura Rehydration Formula
• 17 aid stations less than three kilometres apart providing water, Endura Rehydration Formula and gels and ‘self-service’ band aids and vaseline
• Weather and temperature signage at every five kilometre aid station updated every hour from 8am
• 400+ road marshals, traffic controllers and Queensland Police Service Officers man the Gold Coast streets and entry/exit of driveways along the course
• RFID technology in conjunction with the on-course timing system to locate participants on and off the course (see separate story)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Event Organisers wish to ensure local residents who live along or near the course that emergency services access to their residence will not be impacted by the event over the weekend.

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held this weekend, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July.

It is set to attract close to 27,000 participants of all ages and abilities across a number of events including the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge and 4km and 2km Junior Dash races.

To enter or for more information visit goldcoastmarathon.com.au