Speed: Important to Runners and Critical for Their Medical Responders

By Linda McMillian

ROSWELL— Since 1970, Atlanta has been home to the Peachtree Road Race. The internationally recognized summer competition attracts runners from around the world and in 2023 the 10K hosted over 50,000 athletes. During this and all racing competitions, runners face potential serious medical dangers including orthopedic, respiratory, cardiovascular, and heat related issues. Therefore, at the event, speed is key for both runners and their first responders. The first group intent on winning and the second focused on keeping those athletes alive and well, treating everything from blisters to potentially fatal heart attacks.

A group of amateur radio operators was requested by the Race's Medical Director to respond to runners by helping identify medical needs, validating those needs with 911 and directing first responders to the injured person, as well as getting individuals help through the crowds for medical attention. Last year the competition saw over 180 medical related incidents and seven people taken to the hospital. Humidity and rising July temperatures caused many heat related medical conditions requiring quick response from medical professionals.

Cell phones would seem like the best way to communicate in an emergency, however, from a practical standpoint their use becomes complicated in this situation. If multiple individuals are reporting the same athlete in distress, it hinders the response time. Also, there has to be a cogent way to direct responders geographically to the runners in need. A 10K course presents considerable logistical challenges.

A uniquely skilled group from a local church joined in to help upgrade emergency reaction times.

As a function of their self-reliance program at the Roswell GA Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, over 40 Church members are involved in learning how to communicate in an emergency situation as amateur radio operators when cell towers and the Internet are not available. Because of the Church's extensive experience in helping out in hurricane ravaged areas and in other environmental disasters, the group uniquely understands the necessity of such communication. The locally developed resource has proven to be an significant asset both during emergencies and at local community events.

Roswell resident Steve Haynes, who volunteered with the group, explained, "In prior years there was no radio support for first responders to know the validity of multiple 911 calls and to locate those in need of medical assistance. This year the Medical Director of the race requested the addition of radio coverage in "The Meadow" of Piedmont Park and that proved to be of value in accomplishing those tasks."

"Five members of the local Roswell Stake (diocese) Emergency Network (RSEN) prepared for the experience by programming our radios to the frequencies to be used at the event, and ensuring we had spare batteries, ear pieces, water, and safety vests. We arrived at Piedmont park at 6:00 am, checked in and went to the radio operations center which is co-located with the main medical tent for the event. We received a briefing on the details from Bill Largin, North Fulton ARES Emergency Coordinator and Michael Gartner, one of the coordinators of radio support for the Peachtree Road Race (PTRR). We were given our ROVER tactical call signs for the event and were shown the stations we were assigned to work for the race.

"It was not only fun to participate in a major event like this, but it gave us valuable experience operating as a radio communications team in the field, an opportunity to test our equipment, and most of all, a way we can put our skills to use in service to the community. We look forward to service for this and many other events in the future."

The group’s effort was noted by race medical officials and their contribution helped improve critical response time.