The Montgomery County Hospital District, an official sponsor of the fourth annual Ironman Texas, is geared up for this year’s Triathlon. With more than 2,500 participants, 4,000 volunteers and an additional 18,000 people descending in the heart of The Woodlands, MCHD will have an additional 8 Medic Units, 2 Supervisors, 20 Bike Teams and 10 ATV’s available for medical emergencies on Saturday, May 17.
“MCHD EMS was called to assist over 662 patients during last year’s IRONMAN with 50 transports to area hospitals,” said Randy Johnson, MCHD CEO. “We are more than prepared to meet the emergency medical needs for this year’s event.”
Medical emergencies ranged from auto pedestrian accidents, electrolyte imbalances, heat exhaustion, scrapes and bruises.
Dr. Mark Escott, MCHD Medical Director, is urging participates and spectators to drink plenty of water for several days leading up to the event, stay out of the heat as much as possible, wear plenty of sunscreen, and do not ignore the early signs of heat exhaustion such as profuse sweating, weakness, muscle cramps, headache, nausea and vomiting.
IRONMAN will begin at North Shore Park with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Woodlands, then progress onto a 112 -mile bike course to the west side of the county, then a 26.2- mile run throughout The Woodlands, ending at Market Square. Law enforcement will be controlling most intersections throughout the area. MCHD is asking drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to be patient.
