Marathon treatment figures

 First aider attending to a participant

St John Ambulance volunteers gave first aid to 4623 runners at this year's Virgin London Marathon.

Treatment figures down

Ann Cable, Commissioner of St John Ambulance in London, who is in charge of the first aid service at the marathon, said:

'The total number of people requiring treatment this year has fallen. Lots of runners did look to be feeling the effects of the heat, and some did slow and take time to rest and rehydrate before continuing, which may have helped them cope with the warm temperatures without the need for medical treatment.'

She added:

'We are extremely proud of our links to the Virgin London Marathon and we are pleased to have been on hand to provide treatment for those who needed it.'

Altogether, 90 people required hospitalisation.

St John Ambulance has been looking after runners at the marathon since it began 30 years ago.

The charity had the following available on the day:

  • 1200 medical, nursing and first aid volunteers
  • 50 specialist crewed ambulances
  • 33 Cycle Response Units (including paramedics, nurses and advanced first aiders).

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