As the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2024 approaches, Malaysia’s premier distance running event is set to unveil advanced emergency preparedness measures to safeguard the thousands of participants expected to take part. With the event poised to draw a record number of runners, the medical team, led by Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, has implemented cutting-edge strategies to ensure a seamless and secure race day experience.

World-Class Emergency Training
In a proactive move to elevate safety standards at KLSCM 2024, Dirigo Events Sdn Bhd, the event organiser, partnered with Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur sent two esteemed doctors for specialised training in Race Emergency Medicine in Antalya, Turkey, earlier this year. Certified by the World Academy for Endurance Medicine under the auspices of World Athletics, this course equips medical professionals with the expertise to manage medical emergencies in endurance events. The certification, valid for three years, reflects the event’s commitment to maintaining world-class medical standards.

The two doctors, Dr Jeewadas Velummylum Baladas, Consultant Emergency Physician, and Dr Mohammad Ridzuan Abdul Razak, Head of the Accident & Emergency Department at Pantai Hospital, have returned with enhanced knowledge that will be pivotal in ensuring the marathon is not only competitive but also safe for all participants.

Comprehensive Medical Planning and Coordination
The emergency preparedness plan for KLSCM 2024 is the result of meticulous planning and collaboration between Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, local emergency services, and state healthcare authorities. Leading these efforts is Dr Jeewadas Velummylum Baladas, the race’s medical director, who has coordinated with various private and public hospitals, ensuring they are on standby as referral centres for any acute emergencies that may arise during the marathon.

“Our goal is to build a robust medical infrastructure capable of rapid and effective response to any situation,” said Dr Jeewadas. “By working closely with local hospitals and emergency services, we are committed to providing the highest level of care to participants in the event of a medical emergency.”

Advanced Emergency Response Strategies
In preparation for KLSCM 2024, the medical team has integrated advanced emergency response strategies into their planning. Key initiatives include:

• • Mass Casualty Triage: A systematic approach to triaging multiple casualties in the event of an incident, ensuring that those with the most critical needs receive immediate attention.
  • Medical Tent Operations: Well-equipped medical tents will be stationed along the race route and at the finish line, staffed by experienced doctors, nurses, and paramedics. These tents will feature state-of-the-art medical tools, including Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) equipment, to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment.
  • Specialised Medical Algorithms: The team will employ medical algorithms specifically designed to address common injuries and incidents associated with endurance events, such as heat stroke, exertional hyponatraemia, and musculoskeletal injuries.

Proactive Risk Management
Anticipating and mitigating risks is a cornerstone of the emergency services plan for KLSCM 2024. The medical team has developed a comprehensive risk management strategy that accounts for environmental factors such as weather conditions and the challenging terrain of the race course. Continuous monitoring of weather forecasts and real-time adjustments to race management will play a crucial role in ensuring participant safety.

Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication is critical to managing a large-scale event like KLSCM. The medical team will utilise reliable communication tools to ensure seamless coordination among all emergency service providers. This includes the deployment of mobile bike paramedics, strategically positioned along the race route to provide rapid response to incidents in hard-to-reach areas.

Minimising Risks and Ensuring Safety
Race organisers are implementing several measures to minimise the risk of injury and accidents, including:

• Weather Monitoring: Continuous updates on weather conditions, allowing for adjustments to race day operations if necessary.
• Starting Line Management: Organising the starting line into channels to reduce crowding and prevent incidents.
• Medics On The Run: Medical personnels on route with runners, equipped with first aid kits to ensure that athletes are attended to as quickly as possible.

Looking Ahead to a Safe and Successful KLSCM 2024
As the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon 2024 approaches, the commitment to participant safety has never been stronger. The comprehensive emergency preparedness plan, developed by Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with Dirigo Events Sdn Bhd and local emergency services, sets a new standard for medical care at large-scale sporting events in Malaysia.

“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of every participant,” said Dr Jeewadas. “With our advanced planning and coordination, we are confident that KLSCM 2024 will be a safe and successful event for all.”