The University of British Columbia
UBC - A Place of Mind
The University of British Columbia
Faculty of MedicineMass Gathering Medicine Interest Group | Department of Emergency Medicine
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Purpose
    • Structure
    • Mission
    • Values
    • Strategic Plan
    • Contact Us
  • Research
    • Publications
    • Presentations
    • Projects
    • Funding Organizations
  • Education
    • MGM Game – Tabletop
    • Nursing Synthesis Course
    • UBC Elective
    • Disaster Medicine & MGM
  • Advocacy
  • Clinical
  • MGM Clubs
    • McGill University MGM Club
    • University of British Columbia MGM Club
    • University of Alberta MGM Club
    • University of Calgary MGM Club
    • Club Form
  • Blog
» Faculty of Medicine » Home » MGM Tabletop Exercise at the 2016 Athletics Canada Race Directors Summit

MGM Tabletop Exercise at the 2016 Athletics Canada Race Directors Summit

I recently had the opportunity to join Dr. Adam Lund and his passionate team in presenting their MGM Tabletop Exercise at the 2016 Athletics Canada Race Directors Summit. As outlined in our previous blog post by Riley and Kelly, the Tabletop Exercise gives the opportunity for players to function as a ‘medical director’ for a fictitious running race event. While they had the chance to facilitate the exercise with over 50 medical students, I quickly found myself seated at a table with 5 race directors – many with years, even decades, of experience.

 

ac1

While organizing races is second nature to these experienced directors, it was my job to use the game to push them beyond their comfort zone and encourage them to see the race through different lenses. What would the accountant say to paying for a helicopter to circle above? How would the ER nurse feel about calling 911 for every call rather than transporting to main medical? Would the lawyer really want to allow runners on course without their mandatory headlamp for a night race? Despite their years of experience, the players were pushed to wear hats they normally would never have to consider and come up with creative solutions to satisfy all stakeholders.

 

ac2

The exercise prompted excellent discussions while developing the medical plan. Seemingly simple decisions to not place aid stations in the first few kilometres quickly prompted dire anecdotes of runners collapsing with a heart attack at the 2km mark. However, is it economically feasible to have an AED at every single aid station? Some said yes, others said no. As logistic challenges arose and patients collapsed, creative solutions were put forward – some better than others, but all with the goal of running a safe race. In the end I think each player walked away with a greater understanding and appreciation for better communication between the often isolated silos of event planners. Overall it was a privilege to learn from the group and see the improvement in comfort with mass gathering concepts.

 

ac3

 

Colin Sedgwick, BSc
MD Class of 2019
UBC MGM Co-Chair

colin

Legal Statements

Disclaimer | Conflict of Interest | Med Services & Training | Supporters' Information  
  • Previous
  • Next
Mass Gathering Medicine Interest Group
Faculty of Medicine
Attn: Dr. Adam Lund
c/o Royal Columbian Hospital Emergency
New Westminster, BC Canada V3L 3W7
Fax 1 888 298 8013
Email info@ubcmgm.ca
Find us on
   
Back to top
The University of British Columbia
  • Emergency Procedures |
  • Terms of Use |
  • Copyright |
  • Accessibility