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Doctors, Nurses Ready For Games
From the first sign of a cold, to a mass catastrophe with hundreds of injuries, more than 2,000 health care workers say they're ready to take care of the 2002 Olympic community.
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(Dec. 3, 2001)------Science Specialist Ed Yeates reports. Doctors and other health care volunteers have been finding out what it's like maneuvering at various venue sites. They're prepared to give out Band-Aids, if that's all that's needed, or to evacuate a victim or victims should something serious happen.
At a news conference Monday, Intermountain Health Care-- which is the official medical care provider for the games-- used the Salt Lake Ice Center as an example.
If traffic outside becomes an issue...
SCOTT HANSEN, M.D., IHC VOLUNTEER: "WE RECOGNIZE THAT IF SOMETHING SERIOUS HAPPENS AT SALT LAKE ICE CENTER, THAT WE MAY NOT HAVE OUTSIDE MEDICAL RESPONSE OR HELP TO COME WITH US."
So in addition to doctors and nurses already stationed here, standby ambulances with paramedics will also be on hand. The same is true at other venues.
There will be 35 medical clinics set up specifically for the Olympics, along with an athlete and a spectator medical station located at each venue.
Olympic Village's polyclinic will monitor in real-time any viral or bacterial infections that might occur, not only among athletes but the community as a whole.
Ginny Borncamp / SLOC Director of Medical Services: "AND THERE WILL BE A STAFF PERSON THERE FROM THE CDC. HE WILL BE WORKING RIGHT THERE AT THE POLYCLINIC AND THEY'LL BE TIED IN WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMAND."
Extra medical supplies will be on hand during the Games. In addition, IHC's TOSH center will provide continued training and rehab for athletes.
It not only provides specialized equipment to enhance performance, but should a competitor like Derek Parra injure, say his hamstring - as he did this summer..
Derek Parra, U.S. Speed Skater: "AND I'VE BEEN IN THERAPY FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW AND IT'S GETTING BETTER. AND I THINK WE HAVE IT UNDER CONTROL AND IT REALLY HASN'T BOTHERED ME IN THE LAST FEW COMPETITIONS HERE. I'VE BEEN DOING VERY WELL."
Five IHC hospitals have been designated as Olympic hospitals. Also, two additional air ambulances will be brought in temporarily from California to bring the helicopter fleet up to eight during the Games.
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