| Tent location and size: |
- Locate main medical tent near but just downstream from finish line. Racers should have ready access to tent.
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- Ambulances should have ready access to main medical tent. Whenever possible, ambulance access road should not cross pedestrian or vehicle thoroughfares.
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- Area of the medical tent will vary by size of the event and number of participants anticipated to seek care (these calculations are based on data from prior races or comparable events).
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| Entrance/exit: |
- Separate access for EMTs/ambulances is ideal. The designated entrance/exit should be removed from general foot traffic.
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- In cold climates, the number of entrances/exits may need to be limited to preserve warmth within the tent.
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- Physical security barriers should be in place to limit access to the medical tent. Law enforcement personnel should man entrances and exits.
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| Areas within tent: |
- Place triage and administration sections adjacent to one another.
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- Place critical care area closest to the ambulance entrance and away from general entrance and triage areas.
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- A designated care area for the most common critical illness can be useful. For example, in warmer climates, an area with tubs, ice, and materials for treatment of exertional heat illness can be created.
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- If possible, place supplies for general treatment on tables running down the middle of main medical area, with beds along the periphery. This allows all caretakers ready access to supplies.
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- Create a self-care area within the main tent (or ideally in a separate tent) for those with minor problems (eg, blisters, muscle strain) they will manage themselves. This relieves congestion and improves flow in main medical area.
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- Consider available resources and problems most likely to be faced and take a flexible approach to tent planning. For example, some plans include a separate area for physical therapy, while in others, physical therapists move from bed to bed as needed in the general care area.
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