Hospitals take care of runners during race

More than 30 runners were hospitalized last week during the Los Angeles Marathon, with 17 taken to either the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center or the Santa Monica Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital.

Depending on where the injury was sustained during the 26-mile marathon, runners were taken to the nearest hospital.

The most severe case seen was a 21-year-old runner who experienced a heart attack.

No medical information on this man’s condition can be released, but when he was rushed to the hospital, he was in cardiac arrest, said Roxanne Moster, director of Health Sciences Media Relations.

“The paramedics were really prompt, but even before they came, runners were concerned and wanted to help him,” said Robyn Bond, a marathon runner and Westwood resident.

This year marked the first time the marathon ran beyond its usual parameters, extending across city lines into Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.

With more than 25,000 participants, the 26-mile marathon ended near the Santa Monica Pier.

“Running a marathon really stresses out the body,” said Dr. Wally Ghurabi, medical director at the Santa Monica Hospital.

He said before a marathon, it is important to stretch and eat properly. One should stay hydrated both before and after the race, and make sure to allow time for the body to recuperate afterwards.

To ensure the safety of runners, the Los Angeles Fire Department provided 10 two-person paramedic teams that patrolled the run on bicycles, covering areas normally protected by neighboring fire agencies, said Brian Humphrey, LAFD spokesman.

These teams were on call for over 115 medical assessments in response to issues such as fatigue, dehydration and aches, Humphrey said.

Compiled by Itak Moradi, Bruin contributor.

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