|
|
|
|
| Medical
Information |
|
|
|
There will be medical staff and facilities throughout the race course.
Trained individuals will be stationed along the swim course (in boats
and on rescue boards) to assist you in case of an emergency.
Additionally, there will be a primary medical aid station at the
finish, as well as mobile medical teams roaming the course. Over half
of the visits occur after participants have finished the race. Please
do not leave the finish area until you and your friends are sure you
are okay, until you can drink without vomiting and stand without
dizziness. The medical aid station at finish line will officially close
18 hours after the swim start. All athletes seeking medical attention
after that time will be referred to local emergency room facilities.
All medical expenses incurred are the sole responsibility of the athlete and not Ford Ironman Cozumel.
Particular dangers include dehydration, hyponatremia, sunburn,
exhaustion and injuries sustained from accidents. Please ask for
medical help if you have the slightest hint you may need it. You will
not be penalized for receiving a medical evaluation. You will be
withdrawn from the race only if you require transportation, IV fluids
or if medical personnel feel your continued participation could result
in serious harm or death.
During events of extreme endurance, the body’s pain threshold is
raised, and you may be in more trouble than you realize. The medical
personnel will do all they can to keep you in the race and assure a
safe finish. Also, please be attentive when taking water, sports drink
or other suppliesfrom volunteers when you’re on your bike to
avoid the possibility of accident or injury to yourself or another.
Please trim your fingernails and toenails prior to the start of the
race to avoid injury to other athletes. Be especially careful to rinse
your goggles of any excess defogger solutions to avoid eye irritation.
If you spend three months prior to the event in a climate cooler than
Cozumel, we suggest you consider an acclimation period in Cozumel
before the race. The chance of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
can be reduced significantly by a proper period of acclimation.
Stay with your familiar and proven routine regarding training,
nutrition and equipment, especially just prior to the race. This also
applies to pre-race dietary intake and medications.
It
is recommended you avoid an extreme elimination diet. Adequate salt
intake during training and during the event is especially important.
If you are taking any medications, or have any medical problem that may
influence your performance or your treatment in the event of an injury,
advise us of all necessary details well in advance of race day. Failure
to do so will result in suspension of participation in future IRONMAN
events.
You are solely responsible for avoiding medications that appear on the
list of banned substances as determined from WADA. Feedback from
previous IRONMAN contestants indicates we can never over emphasize the
importance of hydrating prior to and during the event. Ford Ironman
Cozumel’s Chief Physician recommends you begin hydrating heavily
several days before the race and drink enough water so your urine is
clear, colorless and copious by race day.
PLEASE NOTE: Full disclosure of medical condition(s), general health
and surgical procedures within the previous 12 months is required.
Medical consultation/clearance may be necessary from an attending
physician prior to participating in the event. In all cases, the final
decision of medical consideration is at the discretion of the Ford
Ironman Cozumel
medical director.
|
|
|
|
|
