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2010-01-29 7:18 AM

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Subject: The medical tent in an Ironman...
Has anyone ever volunteered in one? I am wondering what sorts of horrors await me at IMLP.............


2010-01-29 7:25 AM
in reply to: #2641818

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
I've never had to visit one....maybe I'm not going hard enough.
2010-01-29 7:29 AM
in reply to: #2641818

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
Don't be stingy with the IV's; a $3 bag of saline can make a huge difference!

Btw, thanks for volunteering at the med-tent. What an awesome way to give back to the sport - and your fellow athletes.

aquagirl - 2010-01-29 8:18 AM Has anyone ever volunteered in one? I am wondering what sorts of horrors await me at IMLP.............
2010-01-29 7:30 AM
in reply to: #2641818

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
I had to make a quick visit during a particularly hot marathon. Not quite the same thing, though. Mostly just people resting and taking fluids. A few people were getting their feet bandaged up. I assume an Ironman takes it up an order of magnitude.
2010-01-29 7:36 AM
in reply to: #2641836

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
brian - 2010-01-29 8:29 AM Don't be stingy with the IV's; a $3 bag of saline can make a huge difference!

Btw, thanks for volunteering at the med-tent. What an awesome way to give back to the sport - and your fellow athletes.

aquagirl - 2010-01-29 8:18 AM Has anyone ever volunteered in one? I am wondering what sorts of horrors await me at IMLP.............


Yep...........the ONE question they ask is "Can you start an IV???" .
Why yes....yes I can.


Oh........and its not THAT selfless.
I am  hoping to get a spot for 2011
Gulp.........did I just type that out loud??????
2010-01-29 7:37 AM
in reply to: #2641818

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...

If you can't stand vomit (like myself) I wouldn't advise it. 



2010-01-29 7:47 AM
in reply to: #2641818

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
Just wanted to say that I hope I DON'T see you in IMLP No offense, I'm just hoping to finish my first IM without medical incident. Thanks in advance for volunteering!
2010-01-29 7:49 AM
in reply to: #2641818

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
I always get an IV when offered on any HIM or more.  The benefits can be great, and the negative side effects are almost non existant.
2010-01-29 7:51 AM
in reply to: #2641876

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
LSUfan4444 - 2010-01-29 7:49 AM

I always get an IV when offered on any HIM or more.  The benefits can be great, and the negative side effects are almost non existant.


Now that's a funny post race tradition!
2010-01-29 7:54 AM
in reply to: #2641818

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
You should talk to Sue 'socks' she volunteered at IMFL for a good chunk of time in '07 and was the only doc there.
2010-01-29 7:55 AM
in reply to: #2641876

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
LSUfan4444 - 2010-01-29 7:49 AM I always get an IV when offered on any HIM or more.  The benefits can be great, and the negative side effects are almost non existant.


I wouldn't say that at all.  Rapid fluid and electrolyte shifts aren't without side effects, some of which are quite serious.  Depends on the fluid given, the rate it's given at, and the monitoring going on.


2010-01-29 11:15 AM
in reply to: #2641891

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
Obviously there are possibilities in extreme situations, but I am talking about normal (for me) hydration intake during the race, normal  (for me) endourolyte intake during the race, normal (for me) sweating and body temps during the race.

I'm not talking about dumping 5 gallons of saline into my system in 20 minutes.

I am talking about finishing a race in good health and electively getting an IV.     
2010-01-29 11:18 AM
in reply to: #2641876

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
LSUfan4444 - 2010-01-29 5:49 AM I always get an IV when offered on any HIM or more.  The benefits can be great, and the negative side effects are almost non existant.


you could probably keep on in your special needs bag, and have a setup on your bike to hold the IV bag  

or just put in a morphine drip to 'kill the pain'
2010-01-29 11:28 AM
in reply to: #2642556

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
LSUfan4444 - 2010-01-29 11:15 AM Obviously there are possibilities in extreme situations, but I am talking about normal (for me) hydration intake during the race, normal  (for me) endourolyte intake during the race, normal (for me) sweating and body temps during the race.

I'm not talking about dumping 5 gallons of saline into my system in 20 minutes.

I am talking about finishing a race in good health and electively getting an IV.     


And also not indicated in any sort of medical sense.  If you're able to tolerate liquids by mouth, drink.
2010-01-29 11:32 AM
in reply to: #2642602

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
DerekL - 2010-01-29 11:28 AM

LSUfan4444 - 2010-01-29 11:15 AM Obviously there are possibilities in extreme situations, but I am talking about normal (for me) hydration intake during the race, normal  (for me) endourolyte intake during the race, normal (for me) sweating and body temps during the race.

I'm not talking about dumping 5 gallons of saline into my system in 20 minutes.

I am talking about finishing a race in good health and electively getting an IV.     


And also not indicated in any sort of medical sense.  If you're able to tolerate liquids by mouth, drink.


Yeah, this seems so odd. If you are fine, why get an IV?
2010-01-29 11:52 AM
in reply to: #2641818

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
I volunteered at IMOO 08 for what was suppose to be just a 3 hour shift. It turned into a 6 hour shift and I could have stayed longer but I had the 9pm to Midnight shift at the finish line and didn't want to miss that. First off let me state I am not a medically trained professional. My job was to take the athlete from the catcher and initiate a conversation to establish his wits as another volunteer checked his bib number and got hist starting weight for me. I then put him on the scale and was usually joined there by a nurse or a doctor who would check vitals and determine next course of action. Most were just dehydrated but some did require an IV. It was amazing to see them instantly perk up after the IV started to trickle into their bloodstream. At first it was a little depressing because it was mostly bike crash victims or people that just were dehydrated and had to drop out. Later finishers started coming in and it was great to spend time with them. They were tired, sore but were just so damn happy!! Alot of them craved a certain food which I would go hunt down-mostly pizza- ice cream...and then just wanted to talk about their race while they relaxed and replenished. It was an amazing experience and you wont regret it.I would also go find athletes because their families were worried and were not allowed in the tent. Relaying the news that their wives/husbands were doing good gave me a great deal of satisfaction. Yes youll see your share of projectile vomiting but the good will definitely outweigh the bad. The athletes were so sincere and cordial that I couldn't believe they just raced an Ironman. They repeatedly thanked me for my efforts when it was me who felt like thanking them for giving me such a unique view of raceday. The day before IMOO I completed my first Half Ironman in southern Illinois , then drove home dropped my bike off, slept a few hours then headed up to Madison from Chicago at 3 AM to begin my 17hour day of volunteering and then sign up for IMOO 09. Im doing IMOO 2010 also but would volunteer again in the med tent if I don't do IMOO 11. It was a complete blast!!!


2010-01-29 12:02 PM
in reply to: #2642612

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
At one point it was believed that IV's were a more effective rehydration tool....quicker etc.

There have since been studies to disprove and reprove this theory.  Alot of people believe the most important reason to rehydrate orally is to promote the self responsibility for hydration, but it has proven to reduce body temp faster.

Basically, it started in high school with 2 a days.  Once I got into endurance racing I rememebred the effecitveness it had years ago, so I went for it.

Then I began to do more research.  I found studies that promoted the tactic, and others that said orall was better.  In the end, the important thing is proper hydration or rehydration.  However you get it.

The negative side effects mostly come with improper usage, not usage.  One can also get hyponatremia with no iv's whatsoever.


So why?...i say, why not.  I chose to go around the middle man (kidneys and bladder) and buy directly from the wholesaler.





(In no way would I take a spot in the medical tent for someone who needs medical treatement.  As a matter of fact, last year for the New Orleans 70.3, I left the tent, IV in hand and helped an athlete into the tent)

Edited by LSUfan4444 2010-01-29 12:04 PM
2010-01-29 12:09 PM
in reply to: #2641851

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
aquagirl - 2010-01-29 7:36 AM
brian - 2010-01-29 8:29 AM Don't be stingy with the IV's; a $3 bag of saline can make a huge difference!

Btw, thanks for volunteering at the med-tent. What an awesome way to give back to the sport - and your fellow athletes.

aquagirl - 2010-01-29 8:18 AM Has anyone ever volunteered in one? I am wondering what sorts of horrors await me at IMLP.............


Yep...........the ONE question they ask is "Can you start an IV???" .
Why yes....yes I can.


Oh........and its not THAT selfless.
I am  hoping to get a spot for 2011

Gulp.........did I just type that out loud??????


I am also volunteering this July.... I can't wait and I'm very excited.
2010-01-29 12:14 PM
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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
aquagirl - 2010-01-29 7:18 AM Has anyone ever volunteered in one? I am wondering what sorts of horrors await me at IMLP.............

I'm not racing in LP, but considering going up as support for a friend. 

1) Can I get in the medical tent if I sprain an ankle delivering a Red Bull or Chicken Soup?
2) Can I request from whom I receive my care
2010-01-29 12:41 PM
in reply to: #2641818

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
As a Critical Care Nurse, I think getting an IV because you want to is irresponsible. To break the skin barrier and risk intoducing bacteria for no medical reason is a little frightening. In addition, you maybe taking an IV seat and staff away from an athlete who may truly need it.
2010-01-29 12:51 PM
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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
scottgreenstone - 2010-01-29 12:41 PM

As a Critical Care Nurse, I think getting an IV because you want to is irresponsible. To break the skin barrier and risk intoducing bacteria for no medical reason is a little frightening. In addition, you maybe taking an IV seat and staff away from an athlete who may truly need it.


I agree 100% about getting a needle stuck in your arm for convenience sake seems like a bad idea, and although he said he doesn't take a spot away from someone in actual need, he does take the resource and time of someone to administer them. The more I think about it, the more I think this is poor form and shouldn't even be allowed in the medical tent at races. The only benefit is to get a jump on your recovery.

Edited by bryancd 2010-01-29 12:58 PM


2010-01-29 1:09 PM
in reply to: #2642795

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
As a Critical Care Nurse, I think getting an IV because you want to is irresponsible.


then you probably REALLY disagree with my wife taking IV's from the hospital and giving them to me when I'm hungover





2010-01-29 1:14 PM
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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
LSUfan4444 - 2010-01-29 1:09 PM

As a Critical Care Nurse, I think getting an IV because you want to is irresponsible.


then you probably REALLY disagree with my wife taking IV's from the hospital and giving them to me when I'm hungover







OK, now that is funny!
2010-01-29 1:18 PM
in reply to: #2642813

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...

he does take the resource and time of someone to administer them


any time I have gotten an IV i have always asked if we could have the IV and let my wife administer it (licensed CRNA in 2 states), most of them have said it was fine.  I have stood in the sun while my IV hung from a tree and I have sat in the tent with fans in the shade

they did have to spend some time getting the set and disposing of it for us, so I guess I was monopolsing that minute

if IV's ever become scarce, or medical tents become too crowded and supplies and time are of the essence, I can change my routine, but it really isn't that big of a deal

2010-01-29 1:19 PM
in reply to: #2642890

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Subject: RE: The medical tent in an Ironman...
dude that is just messed up.

if you are able to drink and take in what you need, why are you finishing the races in need of an IV in the frist place?

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