\u201cThey can rest assured that the highest level of care will be available,\u201d said Gardmed owner Dave Gardner.<\/p>\n
Two off-road emergency vehicles and an ambulance will cover the mountain bike course at Addo on the Saturday, while a response vehicle and four ambulances will be stationed along the road routes in PE on the Sunday.<\/p>\n
In addition, trauma staff from Life St George\u2019s and Life Mercantile hospitals will man the medical tents at the start\/finish areas at the Addo Polo Club and Hobie Beach.<\/p>\n
Gardner said collarbone fractures and skin abrasions were the most common injuries resulting from cyclists falling off their bicycles. \u201cIf we have hot weather like we\u2019ve been having recently, then we\u2019ll have to deal with problems like dehydration and collapse cases.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said medics would be positioned at various \u201chigh risk\u201d spots along the mountain bike course.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese aren\u2019t necessarily the most difficult or inaccessible sections because they\u2019re often the most technical and riders are going slowly. It\u2019s usually when they\u2019re tearing down the hills that the serious accidents can happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Because certain remote areas had no cellphone reception, Gardner said members of the PE Amateur Radio Society would be on board to provide communications assistance.<\/p>\n
On the road side, he said the response vehicle would follow the elite cyclists in the 105km Classic as the high speeds coupled with cross winds could create a hazardous situation.<\/p>\n
The remaining ambulances would be positioned at key points along the course. \u201cThe marshals are in radio contact with the control centre and the vehicles will be dispatched to the scene from there.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said riders who needed to be monitored would be taken to the medical tent. If their condition were assessed as serious, a duty vehicle would transport them to hospital.<\/p>\n
Dr Eddelene Smith, head of unit for ER Consulting, which manages Life St George\u2019s emergency unit, said preparations were underway for the Eastern Cape\u2019s largest cycling event. \u201cAs with any big event in PE, we make sure that we increase staff capacity and confirm the various specialists on call.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smith advised riders who fell and then experienced symptoms such as dizziness, disorientation, severe headaches, persistent vomiting or memory loss to visit the onsite medical tent immediately.<\/p>\n
Physiotherapists will be on hand to alleviate cramping and tired muscles with free recovery massages at the finish.<\/p>\n
Enter online at www.heraldcycletour.co.za<\/a> or at any local cycling shop<\/a> before January 30.<\/p>\n Alternatively, follow the race on Twitter (In_the_Bunch) or Facebook (www.facebook.com\/TheHeraldCycleTour).<\/p>\n Book your Addo accommodation at the scenic Zuurberg Inn<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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