Analysis of patient load data from the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa

Abstract

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patient presentation data for spectators attending the opening ceremony and all the 2003 Cricket World Cup matches played in South Africa in order to provide organisers with the basis of a sound medical care plan for mass gatherings of a similar nature. Methods. During the 2003 Cricket World Cup, data were collected on the spectators presenting to the medical facilities during the opening ceremony and the 42 matches played in South Africa. Data included the total number of patient presentations and the category of illness or injury. This information was used to determine the venue accommodation rate and the patient presentation rate. The illness/injury data were classified into the following categories: (i) heat-related illness; (ii) blisters/scrapes/ bruises; (iii) headache; (iv) fractures/sprains/lacerations; (v) eye injuries; (vi) abdominal pain; (vii) insect bite; (viii) allergy-related illness; (ix) cardiac disorders, chest pains; (x) pulmonary disorder/shortness of breath; (xi) syncope; (xii) weakness/dizziness; (xiii) alcohol/drug-related conditions; (xiv) seizure; (xv) cardiac arrest; (xvi) obstetric/ gynaecological disorder; and (xvii) other. Results. The total number of patients who presented to the medical stations was 2 118, with a mean of 50 (range 14 - 91) injuries per match. The mean for the patient presentation rate was 4/1 000 spectators. The most frequently encountered illness or injury was headache (954 patients, 45%), followed by fractures, sprains and lacerations (351 patients, 16%).

South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 18 (2) 2006: pp. 52-56